48RE Clutch Drum 2003-2008, new and ready to install. Fits the 48RE. Ships fast from the USA.
This listing carries the 48RE clutch drum name, but what ships is a complete set of steel clutch plates, not a drum. It is an Alto high-performance, Kolene-treated steel set for the 2003-2008 48RE behind the 5.9L Cummins in Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks (the listing also names V10 applications). If you are rebuilding a 48RE that burned its overdrive or direct clutches, or you are building one to hold more power, this is the steel side of the clutch packs in one box: 22 plates sorted for all four clutches.
Kolene is a salt-bath nitriding process. Alto uses it to harden the steel surface for better wear, fatigue and heat resistance, which matters most in the overdrive section of a towing truck. Frictions, seals and pistons are not included.
Every clutch pack is a stack of friction plates alternating with steels. When the piston applies, the pack clamps together and the steels transfer torque between the drum or case and the frictions. ATSG's 46RE/47RE/48RE service information lays out four multi-plate clutches: the front (direct) and rear (forward) clutches in the main section, and in the overdrive unit the OD/direct clutch, which drives, plus the overdrive clutch, which holds the sun gear for fourth. Transmission Digest notes that the 48RE was introduced for 2003 heavy-duty Dodge trucks with increased clutch drum torque capacity compared with the 46RE and 47RE, so plate counts and thicknesses are specific to this unit. Do not assume a 47RE steel stack is interchangeable.
Pull the pan and look at what is on the magnet and in the filter. Lining material points to burned frictions; glittery metal with it usually means the steels were cooked too. If the complaint is limited to overdrive, read our 48RE 3-4 clutch failure guide, which walks through the overdrive section and the faded direct clutch spring that often starts the damage. For the bigger picture on these trucks, see 48RE Cummins transmission problems.
Alto lists this set for the 2003-2008 48RE. In Ram trucks the 48RE ran with the 5.9L Cummins from 2003 to 2007; if your truck has a 68RFE, this set is not for it. Count the steels in each pack of your unit and compare against the list above before installing, and send us your year and VIN if you want a second check. See every part we carry for this transmission on the 48RE parts page.
Wipe each steel clean and stack them in the order the packs call for, alternating with new frictions soaked in ATF+4. Replace the frictions every time you replace steels. Measure each clutch clearance with the pack assembled and correct it with the selective snap ring or pressure plate rather than by adding or leaving out plates. In the overdrive unit, check the direct clutch spring height; TransGo notes that a faded spring causes slipping or no reverse and burned direct plates, so a new spring belongs in any build that reuses the original. Refill with ATF+4 only; Chrysler lists an overhaul fill of 29 to 33 pints, then check the level hot. A TransGo 48RE-HD2 reprogramming kit raises apply pressure so the new packs hold, and the 48RE rear clutch drum is the part to replace if the drum lugs or piston bore are worn.
| Fits | 48RE 2003-2008 |
| Part type | Clutch Drum |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | Alto |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
No. The listing name says clutch drum, but the product is a set of 22 Alto Kolene-treated steel clutch plates for the forward, direct, overdrive brake and overdrive direct clutches. No drum, frictions or seals are included.
Alto lists it for the 2003-2008 48RE. That covers Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 5.9L Cummins and the 48RE automatic. Trucks with the 68RFE need different parts.
It is not recommended. New steels and new frictions should go in together, with the frictions soaked in ATF+4 before assembly. Reusing worn frictions defeats the purpose of new steels.
The set uses the plate thickness each pack is designed around: 0.053 in. for the overdrive direct pack, 0.068 in. for the forward and overdrive brake packs and 0.085 in. for the direct pack. Install each group in its own pack and set clearance with the selective snap ring.
Mopar ATF+4. Chrysler lists a service fill of about 8 pints and an overhaul fill of 29 to 33 pints depending on cooler and line size, so check the level hot after the rebuild.
