45RFE Shift Kit 1999-2011, new and ready to install. Fits the 45RFE. Ships fast from the USA.
If your Ram 1500, Dakota, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Commander or Liberty with the 3.7L, 4.7L or 5.7L drops into limp mode, falls into neutral on the 2-3 shift, bangs into converter lockup, or sits for a moment before it moves in the morning, this is the kit that was written for those complaints. What ships is the original TransGo SK 45RFE (interchange T72165), new in the box, covering 1999-2011 45RFE, 545RFE and 68RFE transmissions. It is the earlier release of the kit; TransGo's current catalog lists the updated SK 45RFE-A (T72165A) for the same family through 2018.
Do not expect a firm, chirping performance shift from this one. The 45RFE has no bands, no governor and no kickdown cable: every shift is one clutch letting go while another applies, and the controller times all of it through the solenoid pack. TransGo's own description of the SK 45RFE is that it makes the shift quicker, meaning less overlap time between the outgoing and incoming clutch, not harder. Where it earns its money is in the hydraulic parts that wear out and leak. The kit includes a heavy-duty accumulator cover plate with special accumulator seals, a stronger snap ring for the input clutch drum, and a replacement torque converter limit valve system for the pump, which lets you keep a pump whose limit valve bore is worn instead of buying a new pump. A leaking accumulator cover or worn limit valve bore bleeds off the pressure the computer thinks it is sending, and that shows up as slow apply, converter slip and drain-back.
Scan for codes before you order anything. A circuit code on a shift solenoid is electrical, and Chrysler's service information says not to replace the valve body for it. A pressure switch, line pressure or switch valve code with good solenoid resistance points at the hydraulics this kit works on. Watch for P1776 or other solenoid switch valve codes: that valve hands the low/reverse solenoid over to converter clutch control after first gear, and a worn bore there causes loss of drive after a shift out of reverse. The kit cannot fix a worn bore. Our 45RFE valve body testing guide covers how to tell a worn valve body from a leak the kit can cure, and the 45RFE harsh shift guide covers learned values and line pressure before you open the pan.
The listing covers 1999 to 2011 45RFE, 545RFE and 68RFE units. On a 68RFE that means 2007 to 2011 Ram heavy-duty Cummins trucks. Chrysler changed the valve body, check ball count and solenoid pack during this run, and late valve bodies drop two check balls the early ones used, so compare your own parts against the instructions as you go. If you have a 2012 or newer transmission, a 65RFE or 66RFE, or want the newest revision, choose the TransGo SK 45RFE-A kit instead. If you are unsure which you have, send us the year and VIN and we will check it. Every part for this family is on our 45RFE and 545RFE parts page.
The accumulator cover, seals and valve body parts are reachable with the pan dropped, but the converter limit valve parts go in the pump and the snap ring goes in the input drum, so plan this kit for a rebuild with the transmission out and apart. Keep removed valves and springs in order. Use ATF+4 only, soak new frictions in it before assembly, and check every clutch clearance. After the install, run the Quick Learn with a scan tool; ATRA notes that the controller resets dozens of learned parameters and needs it after a repair. If the clutches are already burnt, pair the kit with a 45RFE master rebuild kit, and read our 45RFE and 545RFE problems overview for the other wear points worth checking while it is apart.
| Fits | 45RFE 1999-2011 |
| Part type | Shift Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | TransGo |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
This is the original TransGo SK 45RFE (interchange T72165) for 1999-2011. The updated SK 45RFE-A (T72165A) covers 1999-2018 and adds the 65RFE and 66RFE.
No. TransGo describes it as a quicker shift, meaning less slip time between clutches, not a harder one. It mainly repairs leaks in the accumulator, converter limit and lockup circuits.
The kit is listed for 1999-2011 45RFE, 545RFE and 68RFE units, which includes 2007-2011 68RFE trucks. Send us your year and VIN if you want us to confirm before ordering.
Only partly. The accumulator and valve body pieces are under the pan, but the converter limit valve parts go in the pump and the snap ring goes in the input drum, which need the transmission out and torn down.
Not if the solenoid switch valve bore is worn. That needs a switch valve repair or a replacement valve body. Confirm the cause with the codes before buying.
ATF+4 only, then run the Quick Learn procedure with a scan tool so the controller relearns clutch fill times.
