545RFE Clutch Drum 1999-2007, used and ready to install. Fits the 545RFE. Ships fast from the USA.
If the clutch drum in a 1999-2007 Durango, Ram 1500, Grand Cherokee or Commander with the five-speed 545RFE came out cracked, scored or worn through at the lugs, this is a factory replacement for it. The item is a used Chrysler input clutch retainer sold together with its reverse/overdrive piston, listed for the 45RFE and 545RFE from 1999 to 2007 under part numbers 68009648AD and 68029262AA. The photo shows the two machined aluminum pieces: the retainer and the piston that applies the overdrive and reverse packs.
The 545RFE builds five forward gears plus an alternate second (second prime) out of six clutches, and three of them are housed in this drum: underdrive, overdrive and reverse. The reverse/overdrive piston sits between the overdrive and reverse packs and applies one or the other depending on which side is pressurized. Chrysler's 545RFE application chart has the overdrive clutch applied in third, fourth and fifth and in limp-in, and the reverse clutch applied with low/reverse for reverse. A piston that leaks, or a retainer whose seal bores or lugs are worn, takes the upper gears and reverse down together.
The same codes come from hydraulic causes outside the drum. Chrysler's fourth-gear ratio procedure lists the overdrive bleed orifices, the dribbler in the reaction shaft support, the solenoid switch valve and the 4C tower seal, and Sonnax names the switch valve and the dribbler as two of the three key areas to check on repeat overdrive failures. Air-check the overdrive and reverse circuits with the drum installed: a clean apply with no hiss points away from the piston, while a leak at the drum points straight to it. Read our 45RFE 3-4 clutch failure guide for the full overdrive diagnosis and the valve body testing guide to rule out the switch valve.
This listing covers the 1999-2007 45RFE and 545RFE. Sonnax identifies the early retainer by a 2.765 in. measurement at dimension A and a small chamfer; the 2007-and-later design measures 2.825 in. with a large chamfer. Because 2007 straddles the change, measure the drum you pulled out before ordering. A 2007-and-later retainer will not match this one, and TransGo lists different underdrive and overdrive pressure plates for 1999-06 and 2007-up units, so the plates must match the retainer. Send us your year, model and VIN if you want us to check. The full family is on the 45RFE and 545RFE collection page.
A 45RFE master rebuild kit for Durango, Jeep and Ram covers the frictions and seals for this drum, and the early-style solenoid pack with filter kit for 1999-2003 black plug units fits the same early trucks if the pack is suspect.
| Fits | 545RFE 1999-2007 |
| Part type | Clutch 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.
The input clutch retainer and its reverse/overdrive piston, listed under 68009648AD and 68029262AA. It is a used Chrysler part; frictions, steels and seals are not included.
Possibly. 2007 is the changeover year. Measure dimension A on your old retainer: 2.765 in. with a small chamfer matches this early design, 2.825 in. with a large chamfer is the 2007-and-later version.
Yes, the listing covers both the 45RFE and 545RFE for 1999-2007. The two share the input clutch layout; the 545RFE just uses the clutches in more combinations.
Common causes are a worn solenoid switch valve, a restricted or leaking overdrive dribbler, wrong clutch clearance, and a leaking reverse/overdrive piston or worn retainer. Check all of them before reinstalling a drum.
ATF+4 only, followed by the Quick Learn with a scan tool so the computer relearns clutch fill volumes.
