47RE Input Drum 1997, used and ready to install. Fits the 47RE. Ships fast from the USA.
When a 1996-2002 Ram 2500 or 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins stops pulling in Drive but still backs up, flares between gears with a load behind it, or comes apart and shows a cracked forward clutch retainer or a loose input shaft, this is the part a rebuilder reaches for. This listing is a used factory 47RE input shaft assembly pulled from a 1997 12-valve Cummins truck that was parted out. The input shaft is still pressed into the forward (rear) clutch retainer, and it comes with the direct clutch hub and the used clutch pack exactly as it came out of the case, so you can see what a 1997 unit looked like inside before you commit.
It is sold as a used OEM core-quality assembly, not a rebuilt one. Treat the frictions and seals that come with it as removal parts and plan on new ones from a kit.
The input shaft is the first thing the torque converter turbine drives. In the 47RE that shaft is pressed into the hub of the rear clutch piston retainer and locked with a snap ring, so the shaft and drum spin as one. Chrysler calls this pack the rear clutch; rebuilders call it the forward clutch, because it is applied in every forward range (D, 2 and 1) and is what locks engine power to the front planetary. The front (direct) clutch drum rides on the outside of this retainer and adds third and reverse. Two hooked-end seal rings on the shaft carry apply oil into the retainer, so worn rings or a worn bushing bleed pressure off the forward clutch before it ever reaches the plates.
Sonnax points out that the factory design is two pieces, a shaft joined to a separate forward clutch hub, and that the cast factory retainer is prone to cracking on trucks that tow or have added power. On a 1997 12-valve with a tuned pump, that is exactly where these units break.
Check fluid level and condition first, then road-test gear by gear. The factory logic is simple: slipping in two forward gears points at the rear clutch, slipping in third and Reverse points at the front clutch instead. A pressure check and air test with the valve body off tell you whether the clutch is starved or worn. Our 47RE common problems and fixes guide walks through those checks, and the Ram 2500 Cummins shift problems guide covers the governor and valve body faults that can mimic a slipping clutch on these trucks.
The donor was a 1997 Dodge Ram with the 12-valve 5.9L Cummins and the 47RE automatic. It is meant for 47RE trucks of that generation, Ram 2500 and 3500 diesel and 8.0L V10 models. Input shafts did change over the years, including the sealing ring size and converter spline, so lay your old shaft next to the photos, count the splines and compare the seal ring grooves before you order, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it. More 47RE parts are on the 47RE transmission page.
The 47RE master rebuild kit supplies the frictions, steels and seals you will need, and if the shift complaints started with harsh or late shifts, look at the 47RE valve body while the pan is off.
| Fits | 47RE 1997 |
| Part type | Input Drum |
| 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.
Yes, it comes with the used clutch pack and direct clutch hub as removed from the 1997 donor transmission. They are used parts, so most rebuilders install new frictions, steels and seals from a kit.
Many 47RE trucks share this assembly, but shafts changed in sealing ring size and converter spline over the years. Compare your old shaft spline count and seal ring grooves with the photos, or send us your year and VIN to confirm.
No Drive with Reverse still working, slipping in two or more forward gears, soft hot engagement, or a cracked retainer found during teardown. Slip in third that does not happen in Reverse also points at this clutch.
Use ATF+4 in the 47RE and check the level hot. Adjust the front and rear bands to factory spec during the rebuild.
The 1998 factory manual lists 0.025-0.045 in. for the 46RE/47RE rear clutch with 4 discs, set with a selective snap ring.
