48RE Overhaul Kit 1998-1999, new and ready to install. Fits the 48RE. Ships fast from the USA.
If your 1998 or 1999 Dodge Ram is leaving the light in second gear, will not go into overdrive, never locks the converter on the highway, or keeps setting governor pressure codes, this is the kit most owners end up buying. It is listed under the 48RE overhaul kit name, but the parts in it are electrical: a heavy-duty solenoid service and upgrade set for the RE family, built for the two model years before Chrysler changed the governor pressure sensor. It is not a seal and friction rebuild kit. A truck from these years carries a 46RE behind the gas V8s or a 47RE behind the 5.9L Cummins and 8.0L V10. The 48RE name itself did not arrive until 2003, which is why the listing names the whole family.
These transmissions shift 1-2 and 2-3 with a hydraulic tug of war. Governor pressure rises with road speed and pushes the shift valves toward the upshift; throttle pressure pushes back. On the 1998-1999 trucks the PCM builds that governor pressure itself by pulsing a solenoid, and a pressure sensor next to the solenoid reports back so the computer can correct it. The overdrive shift and the converter clutch are handled by a separate two-coil solenoid pack. The product photo shows the pieces that cover both jobs: the solenoid pack on its harness with the round case connector, governor pressure solenoid and sensor parts, a threaded sensor, springs and a retaining clip, a governor body gasket, a felt filter and a pan gasket. When one electrical part on a 25-year-old unit is tired, the others are usually not far behind, which is the whole case for doing them together.
Scan for codes and make sure the overdrive-off lamp is not simply lit from the switch. Set the fluid level hot first, because low fluid gives the same lazy shifts. A gauge on the governor test port answers the main question: governor pressure should sit near zero with the truck stopped and climb smoothly with road speed. If line pressure itself is weak, the trouble is in the pump or valve body, not these parts; our pump failure guide covers that test. For a dead overdrive or lockup, the overdrive and TCC solenoid guide shows how to check the coils at the case connector.
The year range matters here. Sonnax splits RE valve bodies into 1999-and-earlier units with an early governor pressure sensor that has an oval connector, and 2000-and-later units with a rectangular plastic sensor. This kit belongs to the early side, so a 2000-up truck needs the 2000 version instead. Sonnax also lists small and large pump inlet versions inside the same years, and the listing names 42RE and 44RE units as well as 46RE and 47RE, so compare the filter neck and pan gasket with yours before draining the pan. When in doubt, send us your year and VIN and we will confirm the match. The rest of the family's parts are on the 48RE parts page.
| Fits | 48RE 1998-1999 |
| Part type | Overhaul Kit |
| Condition | New |
| 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.
No. The listing uses the overhaul kit name, but it is a solenoid service and upgrade kit: OD/TCC solenoid pack, governor pressure parts, a threaded sensor, springs, a clip, filter and two gaskets. There are no piston seals, sealing rings or frictions.
Probably not. Chrysler moved to a rectangular plastic governor pressure sensor for 2000, so 2000-up trucks need the later kit. Send us your year and VIN if you are unsure.
A second-gear start is the classic sign of governor pressure that is too high at a stop, which is usually the governor solenoid, sensor or their wiring. Confirm with a scan and a governor pressure check before replacing parts.
No. Clear the codes and road test. The PCM relearns the governor sensor zero reading when the truck comes to a stop.
Mopar ATF+4 or a fluid licensed to that specification. Check the level with the fluid hot, the engine idling and the shifter in Neutral.
