545RFE Overhaul Kit 2005, new and ready to install. Fits the 545RFE. Ships fast from the USA.
This is a new master rebuild kit for the early RFE transmissions: the 45RFE and the 545RFE, also stamped 5-45RFE, built through 2005 and used in four-wheel-drive Ram 1500, Dakota, Durango, Grand Cherokee and Liberty models. The page is listed as 2005, but the kit is specified for 1999-2005 4WD units. Unlike a basic gasket set, it includes BorgWarner friction clutches and Raybestos steel plates along with the seals and gaskets, which is what a high-mileage unit that slips, flares or has burnt fluid actually needs.
The 545RFE shifts entirely with clutches. Six packs, underdrive, overdrive, reverse, 2C, 4C and low/reverse, are applied two at a time to make five forward ratios plus the second prime gear, and each piston depends on its seals to hold pressure. As mileage climbs the frictions glaze, the steels heat-spot, and the sealing rings and lip seals harden, so circuits bleed off pressure and shifts get slow and soft. A master kit restores both halves of that problem at once: fresh friction material and flat steels for clamping, and new seals so each circuit holds the pressure the controller asks for.
An RFE that slips is not always a clutch problem. Low line pressure from a worn pump or a failing pressure control solenoid can cause the same flare, so rule those out with the 45RFE pump failure guide and the pressure control solenoid guide. If pressures check good and you still have ratio codes, burnt fluid and debris, the clutches are worn and the transmission needs to come out for this kit. The 45RFE and 545RFE problems page covers the known weak spots to inspect during the teardown.
The kit is listed for 1999-2005 45RFE, 545RFE and 5-45RFE transmissions with four-wheel drive. Chrysler made running changes to clutch counts, pressure plates and snap rings over the years, so check your transmission's tag and count the plates in each pack against the kit before you start assembly. If your truck is 2WD or a 2006-up unit, send your year and VIN first. Later 545RFE kits and hard parts are on the 45RFE / 545RFE collection page.
Pair the kit with a 45RFE/545RFE 4WD filter kit, and if the valve body fails its bore test, the 545RFE valve body for 2004-2010 is a direct replacement.
| Fits | 545RFE 2005 |
| 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.
It is listed for 1999-2005 4WD units. If your 45RFE or 545RFE is 2WD, send the year and VIN before ordering so we can confirm it is the right kit.
Yes. The kit includes BorgWarner friction clutches and Raybestos steel plates in addition to the gaskets and seals.
A filter is not listed in the kit contents, so plan on a new filter kit for the 4WD pan at the same time.
Chrysler lists an overhaul fill of 14 to 16 liters of Mopar ATF+4 for the 45RFE and 545RFE. Check the level hot and running in Park.
Yes. Run a quick learn with a scan tool to reset the adaptive clutch values, then drive it through normal shifts so it finishes learning.
Any worn drums, bushings or a scored pump, the filter, and the valve body if it fails a vacuum test. Flush the cooler so old debris does not reach the new clutches.
