48RE Overdrive Direct Clutch Spring Compressor Tool

This is the overdrive direct clutch spring compressor for the Chrysler/Dodge overdrive automatics - the tool that replaces Miller special tool T-1302. It bolts the overdrive piston retainer down against the return spring so the retaining snap ring can be picked out of its groove safely, then lets the spring back down under control on reassembly. Without it you are prying on a loaded retainer, which is how snap ring grooves get chewed up and pistons get bent.

Fitment covers 1989-on A500 and 42RE, 1991-on A518 and A618 (46RE and 47RE), and the 2003-on 48RE that sits behind the 5.9 Cummins in Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. The overdrive section on all of those shares the same basic layout: overdrive direct clutch pack, overrunning clutch, piston and return spring behind the rear retainer. If you are in there for a burnt overdrive direct clutch, a cracked overdrive piston, or the well-known 47RE/48RE overdrive shudder, this is the tool that gets the pack apart.

On the bench: pull the overdrive housing off the case, remove the overdrive planet and clutch pack, set the compressor over the piston retainer and draw it down evenly until the snap ring is free of load. Pick the ring out, back the tool off slowly and lift the retainer and spring. Reverse the sequence to install, and check that the ring is fully seated in its groove all the way around before the tool comes off. Take the load off gradually - a spring that gets released at once will throw the retainer.

Built from heavy-duty steel with plug-welded joints rather than tack welds, and shipped with a light corrosion inhibitor coating on the bare metal. It arrives ready to use; wipe the coating off before it goes near clean transmission parts.