2003 ram 2500

[brandon england]

Hello y'all thanks for letting me join but I need some help I got a 3rd gen dodge ram 2500 4x4 it has a 5.7 hemi when I bought didn't no nothing bout it. I tinkered with it got it running but now realized the transmission isn't functioning. So I called dodge to get the correct info I needed to find a used transmission. My question is what all ur 3rd gens used a 45rfe automatic that would work in my truck. The guy I bought truck from got from auction and the transmission that is in it is a 545rfe explains why it doesnt function

 

[danielmid]

car-part.com and put in your truck's info and it will show other years that are compatible.

 

[HemiLonestar]

• 45RFE
  • 1999–2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.7L)
  • 2002–early 2003 Jeep Liberty (3.7L)
  • 2000–2002 Dodge Dakota (4.7L) and "(3.9L) Sport Edition Dakota"
  • 2000–2002 Dodge Durango (4.7L)
  • 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 (3.7L and 4.7)
• 545RFE
  • 2001–2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.7L, 4.7L H.O.,5.7L Hemi)
  • 2005–2006 Jeep Liberty (Diesel applications)
  • 2003–2011 Dodge Ram (4.7L, 5.7L Hemi)
  • 2005–2011 Dodge Power Wagon
  • 2003–2011 Dodge Dakota (4.7L, 4.7L H.O.)
  • 2003–2011 Dodge Durango (4.7L, 5.7L)
  • 2006–2010 Jeep Commander (4.7L, 5.7L Hemi)
  • 2007–2010 Jeep Wrangler (2.8 L CRD)
  • 2007–present LTI/London Taxi Company TX4
  • 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen (4.7L, 5.7L Hemi)

45RFE and 545RFE are the same trans, just different programming to get that extra OD gear. The 2012 65RFE is physically the same trans but was programmed differently; I am unsure if the plug is still the same as its predecessors.

 

[brandon england]

Ok thanks I called dodge and they told me a 545rfe won't work in my truck because of programming that is what some one put in my truck and it doesnt work sounds like the front pump went out has horrible winding noise and shift into gear nothing works doesn't move in any gear even got truck up on jack stands

 

[HemiLonestar]

They are wrong. The 2003 5.7 comes with a 545RFE lol. What you have is either a bad trans or incorrect install.
If someone could hack the programming, years back someone calculated that the RFE was capable of like 15 forward & 2 reverse gear ratios. It's only the programming that makes any of them different between vehicles. Once you plug it in and do a quick learn, as long as the trans itself is physically good it will do whatever the TCM (or TCM portion of the PCM) tells it to.

 

[brandon england]

Even though I gave them the vin and they said it takes 45rfe

 

[brandon england]

Ok thanks for your help once I get the transmission out I'll hopefully find out the issue

 

[HemiLonestar]

Ok ok lol.....go here and enter your VIN and tell me what it says: Equipment Listing
I have a 2003 with a 5.7. Here is my build sheet:




REGARDLESS, all 45/545RFE's are the same basic trans, physical variations being 4x2 vs 4x4. This is a 4x4 "45RFE" trans (left) from a 2002 4.7 next to my original 2003 5.7 "545RFE" 2wd trans.



After swapping tailshaft:



Same trans man. Someone is jerking you around.

 

[HemiLonestar]

Ok thanks for your help once I get the transmission out I'll hopefully find out the issue

Make sure the suction filter and the torque converter are seated properly.

 

[brandon england]

It does say 545 wonder y dealership says 45rfe

 

[HemiLonestar]

It does say 545 wonder y dealership says 45rfe

Because 99.9% of dealerships are retarded and generally if it's older than say 5 yrs in most cases they don't care anymore.

 

[brandon england]

I find a lot of transmission that was bolted to a 4.7 will that bolt directly to a 5.7

 

[HemiLonestar]

I find a lot of transmission that was bolted to a 4.7 will that bolt directly to a 5.7

Reread this post slowly: https://www.ramforum.com/threads/2003-ram-2500.196293/post-2748275

 

[brandon england]

Quick question what would cause the rear axle to still spin when on jack stands with tcase in 2wd and transmission In park I still gonna remove the transmission anyways just curious