45RFE/545RFE Heavy-Duty Torque Converter TO-601HD

This is a heavy-duty replacement torque converter for the Chrysler and Jeep 45RFE and 545RFE automatic transmissions, sold under part number TO-601HD. It carries a 29-spline turbine hub and a four-pad flexplate mount, matching the factory converter used behind the 2.8L diesel, 4.7L V8 and 5.7L HEMI.

These converters live behind the RFE family found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander, Dodge Ram 1500, Dakota, Durango and Nitro, and the Jeep Liberty CRD. The lockup (TCC) clutch in the original converter is the usual weak point: as the friction lining wears it shudders at lockup, drops fuel economy, and eventually sheds clutch material into the fluid that clogs the valve body. If you are already in the transmission for a rebuild, the converter gets replaced as a matter of course rather than reused.

On a fresh build or an R and R, prime it with ATF first, then seat it fully onto the pump so the hub engages both the stator support and the pump drive. You should feel it drop through two distinct steps as it seats. Confirm converter-to-flexplate clearance before you snug the mounting bolts. Under-seating a converter destroys the front pump on the first start, so verify seat depth before the transmission bolts up to the engine.

Backed by a one-year limited warranty. Cycle the transmission through all gears after fill to purge air before setting the final fluid level.