Transmission/Torque Converter...

vertrx7 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 09, 2015 4:23 pm

I've read most of the recent postings on the subject matter. I'm still a bit confused as to the proper direction to take. I'm experiencing a 2-3 shift hesitation but not all the time. It seems to me to be a warning though of future issues. My 05 CRD is stock outside of a SEGR mod done a long while back by the previous owner. I'm thinking of the EGR delete kit, the new thermostat and possibly the GDE tune as well to make the truck reliable. I don't understand the ARP head bolt issue yet but I haven't read up enough on it to even know what question to ask.

At this point, with over 170,000 on the clock, do I change just the Torque converter (T/C) or look into purchasing a low mile Dodge Hemi 1500 transmission as has been discussed in several of the previous postings? If I'm seeing the slipping is that just a T/C issue or do I ante up for the whole transmission?

Thanks for any clarifications on this topic.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 09, 2015 6:03 pm

Check the transmission fluid level first.
These transmissions seen to work better when slightly over filled.
When was the last time the fluid and filters were changed?

geordi · **Posted:** Thu Jul 09, 2015 6:41 pm

ARP studs are for curing a head gasket leak issue, or preventing one if you haven't had it yet. If you haven't had the leak, eventually you will. As far as the transmission, the first thing to try is adding more fluid. The dipstick bottoms out in the pan, and is not accurate. I would had at least one quart of fluid right now, and if the situation resolves itself, Mark down on the dipstick your new "full level".

This transmission is enormous, you're not going to hurt it by adding extra fluid. Chances are extremely great that you actually do not have enough in it right now.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

vertrx7 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 09, 2015 10:49 pm

Thank you for the fast responses. I will check the level and add a bit. I don't know when the fluid and filter was changed. Definitely a great idea, but I think I'm going to go one further and flush the system. Since I don't know the last interval I think this would be a good start.
Do I need the mopar filter or get one from a parts store...rock auto...etc?

BTW, when looking at the hemi transmission, is it the 5.7 or 4.7 transmission that can be swapped in? I think the 5.7 is the hemi, so I'm thinking its that one? Should it come from a 4x4 or will a 4x2 work, I guess changing it to fit the transfer case?

Further, called Suncoast to find out what they suggest. They actually rebuild our transmissions and upgrade them but he has no units on the shelf. It would have to be your transmission shipped to him for upgrade and back. Of course, when he was talking $4000 for the rebuild, I kind of got quiet. Whew!

Srytrucker · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2015 1:52 am

Hemi is 5.7 , if you can do the work your self then just a TC from rock auto that will do the job as suggested just overfill it a little. If you are having doubts about general condition of transmission then a rebuilt unit (just the front part ) could be had for about 600 bucks or so ,another option could be to find a low mileage complete transmission (ram hemi 45rfe) from auto wreckers and Craigslist for the swap .IMHO do not spend $ on Euro TC or Sun coast as it is an overkill for our application unless you hit the track often. Mine is close to 190 K Kms basically 120 k Miles it gave up the ghost but when i replaced the TC from rock auto it is working great :JEEPIN:

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vertrx7 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2015 9:50 am

Well, does the whole transmission from the Dodge have to be from a 4x4?
Also, Rock Auto doesn't seem to sell the TC (at least for a Dodge Hemi) anymore.

bigblueCRD06 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2015 3:27 pm

I swapped in a tranny out of an '11 Ram 2wd 4.7. Picked it up on eBay for $600 shipped with the T/C and only 38k miles. Just have to swap over your transfer case and gear selector arm. The original arm on the Ram trans was offset by a tooth and I had to use the original CRD arm.

racertracer · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2015 3:34 pm

Big Blue,

I read your signature and i wanted to know what you think of your ABARTH?

bigblueCRD06 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2015 3:58 pm

Fantastic little car!! I bought it on a whim and haven't looked back since. To quote Jalopnik, "It looks awesome, sounds like an angel gargling gravel, and drives the trousers off of most cars in its class!" I love it!

vertrx7 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2015 8:04 pm

That 4.7 isn't the Hemi transmission though, right? From the 2WD, does the tail housing have to be taken off and the one from the Liberty for the transfer case installed?

bigblueCRD06 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2015 9:20 pm

Yea, tail cone off. Then install transfer case from your old transmission. From my research, the 4.7 and 5.7 use the same transmission and T/C. Some people are even considering the 65RFE, which is a 545RFE with different programming but the same transmission.

From Wikipedia:

Quote:

545RFE
2001–2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.7L, 4.7L H.O., 5.7L Hemi)
2002–2007 Jeep Liberty (Diesel applications)
2003–2011 Dodge Ram (3.7L, 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)

vertrx7 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2015 9:59 pm

Great information, Thank you!

What about electrical plugs...do they transfer directly over? That would be great news if there weren't cutting and splicing involved.

bigblueCRD06 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2015 10:34 pm

All electrical connectors are the same, no splicing required.

thefunk · **Posted:** Sat Jul 11, 2015 9:52 am

my .02, Don't flush the transmission. Oil change and filter change are great, but almost every time I have talked to someone who just blew up a transmission, it was following "I just had it flushed." Flushing dislodges all kinds of buildup in the transmission, and they seem to never get it out, and it just manages to wipe the transmission out. In my opinion, one of the greatest gimmicks ever invented by the parts people.

vertrx7 · **Posted:** Sat Jul 11, 2015 1:12 pm

OK, so wait, I'm having a confusion moment. If the 545RFE is the same transmission in the Liberty as the Ram Hemi, what's the purpose of changing it unless the transmission is itself damaged. Do I have that right? Is it actually just the TC that needs to be changed? Those are different from what I understand.

Fluid change: I've had good luck with that. Be it my Dodge Cummins or a Ford Mustang. I've heard about the issues but I had no problems. with the flush and getting all the fluid out. That's pretty much all I'm after and unfortunately, unlike the Mercury Cougar where you could drain the TC, most cars you can't so you're stuck with all the old fluid in the TC. Not discounting the advice, just haven't had the problem (yet!).

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Sat Jul 11, 2015 4:00 pm

Weak parts are the TC and the front pump! If you pull tranny to replace TC, be sure and replace the front pump with a new one as there are some wear items in the pump assembly that can cause problems. Most advise adding a TransGo shift kit too while you are in that deep, makes it shift a little firmer... :wink:

As to TC, Hemi or Suncost are both recommended options for upgrading to a better TC...

cruiserfreak · **Joined:** Sat Dec 31, 2011 8:03 pm **Posts:** 17

Are the TCs used in the HEMIs the same as the liberty or would they be considered an upgrade?

Steevo · **Posted:** Mon Jul 13, 2015 9:12 am

They would be considered an upgrade. Lots of guys recommend just buying a cheap hemi TC instead of a Suncoast/Euro.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 13, 2015 9:28 am

A true 5.7 Hemi torque converter will have lower stall speed and stronger lock-up clutch designed for the higher torque output of the big V8. Which is good for our high torque little diesel.

Stay away from some of the "high performance" Hemi torque converters. They usually have a higher stall speed more suited for high rpm drag racing and not so good for a low rpm diesel.

The Suncoast CRD torque converter is exceptional because it has the strength of a "high performance" TC combined with a stall speed more suitable for a diesel.

Transmission/Torque Converter...

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