The 48RE replaced the 47RE behind the Cummins. Both are based on the legendary 727 but the 48RE was HD-upgraded. Here is the comparison.
Production years
47RE:
- 1996-2002 Dodge Cummins 5.9L
- 4-speed automatic
- ~440 ft-lb stock rating
48RE:
- 2003-2007 Dodge Cummins 5.9L
- 4-speed automatic
- ~570 ft-lb stock rating
External identification
Pan shape:
- Both 47RE and 48RE: same 727-style pan
- Bolt pattern: 14 bolts
Bell housing:
- Same Cummins bolt pattern
- Direct R&R between trans
Truck VIN:
- 2nd-gen Ram (96-02): 47RE
- 3rd-gen Ram (03-07): 48RE
What is HD about the 48RE
Larger input shaft:
- 47RE: standard 1-3/8 input
- 48RE: larger billet input
- Higher torque capacity
HD clutches:
- 48RE has additional clutch frictions
- OD clutch upgraded
- Direct clutch upgraded
Stronger planetaries:
- 48RE planetary set: HD pinion gears
- Wider gear face for HP
HD output:
- 48RE: larger output shaft
- Different driveshaft yoke
What parts interchange
Same between both:
- Valve body (mostly)
- Governor solenoid and pressure sensor
- TCC solenoid
- Filter
- Most seals and gaskets
Different:
Upgrading 47RE with 48RE parts
Worth doing:
Not bolt-in:
- 48RE output shaft (different driveshaft)
- 48RE planetary (some need machining)
When to choose 48RE swap over 47RE rebuild
48RE swap if:
- Truck is 2nd-gen but tuned heavily
- Pulling 14k+ lbs regularly
- Building over 500 HP
- Wanting HD parts availability
Rebuild 47RE if:
- Stock or lightly modded
- Cost-sensitive ($1k less than swap)
- Daily driver use
Cost
47RE rebuild:
- Parts: $600-$1,200
- Labor: $1,400-$2,200
- Total: $2,000-$3,400
48RE rebuild:
- Parts: $700-$1,400
- Labor: $1,400-$2,200
- Total: $2,100-$3,600
Both with HD billet input:
- Add $400-$700
Need 47RE, 48RE, or HD upgrade parts? Shop our 47RE/48RE catalog. HD clutch packs, billet input shafts, complete rebuild kits. Free shipping over $70.
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