45RFE Sprag Clutch 1999, used and ready to install. Fits the 45RFE. Ships fast from the USA.
If your four-speed 45RFE Ram 1500, Dakota, Durango or Grand Cherokee pulls away fine in Reverse but sits there and revs, or bumps forward and slips, when you put it in Drive from a stop, the low sprag is one of the first hard parts to suspect. This listing is a used genuine Chrysler overrunning clutch assembly, part number 4799465, pulled from a 2003 Ram 1500 with the 3.7L V6. The same assembly serves the 45RFE, the five-speed 545RFE and the 65RFE, so this is factory hardware for a repair where you only need the one-way clutch and not a whole rebuild kit.
The 45RFE has no bands. It shifts with three input clutches (underdrive, overdrive and reverse), three holding clutches (2C, 4C and low/reverse) and one mechanical one-way clutch. Chrysler's application chart shows Drive first as the underdrive clutch plus the overrunning clutch. The underdrive clutch drives the geartrain, and the sprag holds the low/reverse reaction member against the case so first gear can multiply torque at 3.00:1. When the controller applies the 2C clutch for second (1.67:1), or for the 1.50:1 alternate second it uses on a high-speed kickdown, the sprag simply overruns. No oil pressure is involved and nothing has to be timed off. In Reverse and in manual first the low/reverse clutch is applied, so those ranges keep working even with a worn sprag. That is the clue that separates this failure from a burned clutch.
The 45RFE's best known problems, solenoid switch valve wear that drops drive after a shift to Reverse and general valve body wear, can feel similar, so do not skip the diagnosis below.
Start with the fluid level, hot, on level ground. Chrysler's P0731 cause list includes low fluid, a cracked or misinstalled primary filter, a cut underdrive piston seal, a sticking main regulator valve, low line pressure, the input speed sensor and the solenoid pack, alongside a failed overrunning clutch. Read input and output rpm on a scan tool and work through the 45RFE speed sensor guide so a bad sensor signal does not send you into the case. Then do the range test: if manual first is solid and Drive first slips, the holding member that only Drive relies on is the sprag. If Reverse is also weak or missing, read our 45RFE valve body testing guide first, because a worn switch valve can take out both.
The listing is titled 1999 because that is the first 45RFE model year, when it launched in the Grand Cherokee with the 4.7L. Part 4799465 is listed for 45RFE, 545RFE and 65RFE units from 1999 up, and this particular piece came out of a 2003 Ram 1500. Chrysler changed internal parts during the run, so match the stamped number, the spline count and the outside diameter of your old assembly to this one before you order, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it. The case identification numbers are stamped on the left side just above the pan rail. Everything else we stock for this unit is on the 45RFE parts page.
| Fits | 45RFE 1999 |
| Part type | Sprag Clutch |
| Condition | Used |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Used. It is a genuine Chrysler 4799465 overrunning clutch assembly removed from a 2003 Ram 1500 with the 3.7L. Check the races and the lock and freewheel action on the bench before you install it.
The 4799465 assembly is listed for 45RFE, 545RFE and 65RFE units from 1999 up, which includes a 2001 Dakota. Compare your old part number, spline count and outside diameter, or send us the year and VIN before ordering.
That pattern fits a worn low sprag, because Reverse and manual first hold with the low/reverse clutch while Drive first holds with the one-way clutch. Rule out fluid level, filter and speed sensor faults before teardown.
The transmission has to come out and be disassembled to reach it, so most people replace the frictions, seals, gaskets and filter at the same time, and flush the cooler and lines.
Mopar ATF+4, filled to the HOT mark at about 180 F with the engine idling in Park. Afterward run a Quick Learn with a scan tool so the controller relearns clutch volumes.
