2500 Trans Replacement

HemiHavoc · Dec 14, 2017

My truck: 2011 Ram 2500 ccsb 5.7 hemi 545rfe trans. Bought it 6 months ago used with 143k miles, now has 149k.

So long story short, I've been trying to diagnose a rpm specific vibration which I hoped was u-joints (didn't resolve the issue), so now I'm at the point of possible transmission rebuild or swap. I got quoted $2500 to rebuild mine with a new torque converter. Does that seem high, low, or the going rate? I have looked and found remanufactured transmissions for $1500-$1600, would that be a better route? Any other input or ideas, or anything I should do while redoing the trans? Thanks for any and all input.

grizzstang · Dec 14, 2017

Seems like a lot of money to spend on a guess.

What kind of vibration is it and what other "fixes" have you tried other than replacing the U-joints?

HemiHavoc · Dec 14, 2017

Also, this issue was non-existent at the time of purchase. Shortly after I noticed the trans pan would get wet, but not enough to drip. I dropped it, new filters, sealed with new gasket, and used STP ATF4 to fill it back up. Does anyone think the issue could just be crappy AutoZone trans filters? Shouldn't use STP fluid? Or maybe the previous owner put additive in to cover this issue and now without it the tc vibration or clutch slippage is noticeable?

HemiHavoc · Dec 14, 2017

1500-2000 rpm vibration only when on the throttle under load. Vibration goes away immediately once it downshift and rpms are up, or you let off the throttle. Temps stay between 120 and 150 and shifts beautiful when pushed hard.

grizzstang · Dec 14, 2017

It sounds more like a low grade misfire to me. Do you know when the plugs (could be a bad coil too) were changed last and have you ever tried to pull any codes off the computer? Sometimes codes are stored even though there is no check engine light.

HemiHavoc · Dec 14, 2017

I have a diablosport trinity programmer and on occasion (mostly initial start-up) the truck will kick a cylinder 1 misfire. It hasn't ever kicked a code when the vibration occurs though. Could it still be my issue?

grizzstang · Dec 14, 2017

I am even more inclined to think it is a low grade misfire with that info. If the plugs have more than 30,000 miles on them since they were changed they could be the problem but with the age and miles on your truck you could have a bad coil.

HemiHavoc · Dec 14, 2017

I'll throw a new set of plugs in tomorrow and report back. I really don't have a couple grand more to out into the truck, so I really hope it's that simple

grizzstang · Dec 14, 2017

Use OEM plugs. There are two plugs per cylinder so you need 16 plugs. It is a bit of a pain in the ass job to replace them from what I have read. I would seriously consider a new coil for the number 1 cylinder too.

I am guessing you don't have any service records that came with the truck when you bought it?

HemiHavoc · Dec 14, 2017

Unfortunately I don't know too much of the trucks past, and what I do know would involve trusting the previous owner's word. I'll try plugs and then see about a new coil if the problem persists. Just bought the plugs and I'll be putting them in first thing tomorrow

69GWC · Dec 14, 2017

Sounds like torque converter shutter, the transmission in my Cummins was doing that same thing and it does that when the converters going bad.

HemiHavoc · Dec 15, 2017

Changed out all spark plugs, still experiencing the same vibration. Still getting a cylinder 1 misfire though, so a new coil is next. If I get a minute I'll post a picture of the plugs that came from cylinder 1, they look awful.

HemiHavoc · Dec 15, 2017

Cylinder 1 on top 3 on bottom for comparison. Last 2 pics are close up of cyl 1 plugs

Pull Ya · Dec 15, 2017

Have plenty of swivel sockets and different length extensions.----------and beer
Jay

HemiHavoc · Dec 15, 2017

Anyone know what transmission is in my truck (545rfe or 45rfe) and what is the difference? Also can I get one from any Chrysler vehicle, or will they have different stall converters?

HemiHavoc · Dec 17, 2017

So I swapped coils between 1 and 4 (4 is easy to get to) and still had a cylinder 1 misfire. Once warm and codes cleared with programmer no more misfires. Any other ideas on the cylinder 1 misfire? Still getting a trans shudder as described, any other thoughts on that?

grizzstang · Dec 18, 2017

Is that oil all over the cylinder 1 plugs or fuel?

HemiHavoc · Dec 19, 2017

Looks and kinda smells like oil, but tough to tell. Did a compression test and had 170lbs so seems fine. Next step is swapping injectors, then I'm clueless on my misfire. Vibration still exists and still appears to be in the transmission

grizzstang · Dec 19, 2017

There is definitely something going on with cylinder 1.

Did you compression test the whole motor to see where you are at or just cylinder 1?

Does the truck burn oil?

HemiHavoc · Dec 19, 2017

I just checked cylinder 1 hoping for something to pop up on that cylinder to indicate what the issue is.

I just went for a 10-15 mile drive to town and back while trying to diagnose. Shortly into the drive (1/2 mile) I got a p0030 random misfire code, followed by a p0301 cylinder 1 misfire 20 seconds later. I cleared the codes and continued the rest of the trip without any codes. Couldn't make the truck shudder at all like usual and I was trying to do everything I could to get it to. Now I'm even more confused as to what is going on.

2500 Trans Replacement

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