545rfe

PZKW108 · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 5:23 pm **Posts:** 461

Hi everyone

I have a 2005 CRD, I've done all the mods from the noob section, I also have an electric fan and I presently run the GDE eco tune. I have the hot tune too but my weak torque converter doesn't like it !!!!

Now I'm thinking about finding a good TC , I've been told I should change the pump too.... and put a trango kit ! and maybe the trans tune from GDE ,I don't like the shift point on my Jeep I feel that I'm always playing with the speed the get it to lock up to acheive good MPG!

I would like to ear from the peoples here that have done it to CRD transmisson.

I was also wondering if I can use any other 545rfe from a Durango or a Ram for exemple ?

I also read so many thread about the torque converter, so many numbers and where to find it it's confusing. I am wondering if someone has just bring the TC to a shop and get it upgraded ??

I am a bit lost , any information about the 545rfe built and the TC would be apreciated

thanks

Seb

wilco549 · **Posted:** Mon Mar 28, 2016 3:15 pm

Wow, Sounds like we are singing the same tune. I have a '05 (bought new) and have upgraded performance with the Yeti DIY stage 4 tune...result =shudder. Replaced stock TC (which I now believe is the European TC) to a HD Florida TC and an '03 RAM Hemi TCM that allows for lower OD shifting and higher pump pressure, which I love, but still have shudder under hard acceleration and towing. I opted at the time not to replace the pump or to put a valve body kit in mine since the tranny had performed very well towing my 3k lb trailer up until the tune. I wished now that I had! I put the transgo kit in two days ago and still have the shudder.

These older 545's seems to have pump and valve issues with high mileage that are hard to overcome. I've elected to quit throwing parts at mine and to put a late model 545 tranny from a 5.7L dodge durango into mine....stay tuned.... :JEEPIN:

olypopper · **Posted:** Mon Mar 28, 2016 5:48 pm

At 120k miles I did a Suncoast converter, Transgo shift kit, alto red eagle clutches and a seal kit. It shifts better than new and works well. I do plan on having GDE tune the TCM so I can have some changes to lockup points.

No reason to put in a later model trans as they are all nearly identical.

Mountainman · **Posted:** Mon Mar 28, 2016 9:27 pm

olypopper wrote:

At 120k miles I did a Suncoast converter, Transgo shift kit, alto red eagle clutches and a seal kit. It shifts better than new and works well. I do plan on having GDE tune the TCM so I can have some changes to lockup points.

No reason to put in a later model trans as they are all nearly identical.

I think the newer ones actually have some anodized valve seats in the valve body that our older ones lack (or something like that). Hopefully someone will chime in that knows with certainty. I bet Papaindigo or WWdiesel knows. I think scavenging one from a hemi would be a smart idea if you could get it from a junkyard with the Torque Converter and TCM for cheap (low miles also).

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Mon Mar 28, 2016 9:53 pm

A couple of years back, at 139k installed a Suncoast TC, a new front pump assembly, and a Transgo Kit. Running the Yeti Stage IV Hot tune along with the Diablo adjustable Power Puck. Transmission shifts great with crisp shifts and holds all the torque produced by the mods.
The new updated front pump assemblies have the updated and better components in them than the original OEM assemblies... :wink:

BlueLghtning · **Posted:** Mon Mar 28, 2016 10:26 pm

PZKW108 wrote:

Hi everyone

I have a 2005 CRD, I've done all the mods from the noob section, I also have an electric fan and I presently run the GDE eco tune. I have the hot tune too but my weak torque converter doesn't like it !!!!

Now I'm thinking about finding a good TC , I've been told I should change the pump too.... and put a trango kit ! and maybe the trans tune from GDE ,I don't like the shift point on my Jeep I feel that I'm always playing with the speed the get it to lock up to acheive good MPG!

I would like to ear from the peoples here that have done it to CRD transmisson.

I was also wondering if I can use any other 545rfe from a Durango or a Ram for exemple ?

I also read so many thread about the torque converter, so many numbers and where to find it it's confusing. I am wondering if someone has just bring the TC to a shop and get it upgraded ??

I am a bit lost , any information about the 545rfe built and the TC would be apreciated

thanks

Seb

My CRD had a low mileage Dodge Ram 545RFE Transmission and Torque Converter put in before I bought it. I have zero shudder and have both the ECO & Hot Tunes and it seems to handle them fine. I really do want the GDE trans tune myself as I also find myself trying to drive around the shift points to get better mileage. I think the GDE trans tune would be exactly what I need and get those locks ups and hold them.

I also tried the Dodge Ram TCM since it came with my Jeep. It does hit the higher gears sooner and locks up the torque converter at lower RPM's, but it does have a few nuances though. It will hold 1st/2nd longer (2k+), but you can shift around letting up on the gas and forcing it to shift. The Dodge Ram TCM seems to stay in the 3rd the least amount of time, but that's easy to force by using the O/D button. It definitely hits 4th & 5th at lower RPM's than the CRD TCM. However, the biggest thing I didn't like and why I pulled it out was the risk of over revving the engine on a kick down shift and getting stuck in that 4k+ RPM range where the Diesel stops fueling and you have to let up on the gas to get it to shift up again.

For me, I think the money for the trans tune will be well worth the money.

olypopper · **Posted:** Tue Mar 29, 2016 1:52 am

Mountainman wrote:

olypopper wrote:

At 120k miles I did a Suncoast converter, Transgo shift kit, alto red eagle clutches and a seal kit. It shifts better than new and works well. I do plan on having GDE tune the TCM so I can have some changes to lockup points.

No reason to put in a later model trans as they are all nearly identical.

I think the newer ones actually have some anodized valve seats in the valve body that our older ones lack (or something like that). Hopefully someone will chime in that knows with certainty. I bet Papaindigo or WWdiesel knows. I think scavenging one from a hemi would be a smart idea if you could get it from a junkyard with the Torque Converter and TCM for cheap (low miles also).

Any time you have one of these transmissions apart, updates should be checked and change out to the most current parts.......one of my favorite "tuneup" items is a rebuilt solenoid pack. This should be a priority on CRD's with over 100k miles.

Mountainman · **Posted:** Tue Mar 29, 2016 12:29 pm

I'd like to hear more about the solenoid pack. Isn't it under the valve body and expensive though? I think it's on my list to rob from my old transmission before I trash it to have as a spare part.

olypopper · **Posted:** Tue Mar 29, 2016 1:27 pm

Mountainman wrote:

I'd like to hear more about the solenoid pack. Isn't it under the valve body and expensive though? I think it's on my list to rob from my old transmission before I trash it to have as a spare part.

Yes, they are a little expensive but if a guy already has the trans out and is doing a pump, torque converter and shift kit..........a couple hundred bucks is good insurance and I've seen quite a few of these give issues when over 100k miles. The solenoids start acting up and getting weird and poor or no shifting issues start. I'm really fortunate that my neighbor is a top transmission guy where we live and he is always teaching me stuff about these units while we are working on them.

I think these rebuilt solenoid packs run around 270.00.

Here is a pretty good video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2v7Sn5py7U

Mountainman · **Posted:** Tue Mar 29, 2016 1:42 pm

Thanks Olypopper :rockon:

PZKW108 · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 5:23 pm **Posts:** 461

so if I can find a later ram 1500 545rfe, I think they made it till 2011, I could also use the TC from the Ram ?
what is the differance between the " euro " Tc and the OEM from a Ram 1500. if it can handle the GDE hot tune that will be some good news as I can probably get it for cheaper than the "euro" TC.
that would help a lot to stay within my budget and maybe I would be good to get the GDE trans tune :-)r

Another question, do I still need to upgrade the pump with a recent 545rfe ?

thanks

seb

wilco549 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 30, 2016 6:54 am

PZKW108 wrote:

so if I can find a later ram 1500 545rfe, I think they made it till 2011, I could also use the TC from the Ram ?
what is the differance between the " euro " Tc and the OEM from a Ram 1500. if it can handle the GDE hot tune that will be some good news as I can probably get it for cheaper than the "euro" TC.
that would help a lot to stay within my budget and maybe I would be good to get the GDE trans tune :-)r

Another question, do I still need to upgrade the pump with a recent 545rfe ?

thanks

seb

I think the solenoid pack/vb changed in '09 and are not compatible. You can change the solenoid pack/vb out with one that has the white connector and it will work. There is a thread in the forum viewtopic.php?f=5&t=78883&p=886073&hilit=ram+11+transmission#p886073 that details the issues.

I opted to go with a low mile '07 unit that has the upgraded pump and correct Sp/vb. I'm planning on using the hemi TC as others have with good results. The pumps were upgraded in the '07MY.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Wed Mar 30, 2016 4:51 pm

Please, if you have the original transmission and you have to pull the transmission out for any reason, be sure and plan on replacing the TC and the front pump assembly... The OEM front pump assembly has some wear items (bores & plungers) in it that wear out over time and can cause all kinds of problems. The new replacement front pump assembly is an updated unit with some design changes and improvements...
You will not regret spending the extra money to have this done while it is out!!!!! :wink:

flash7210 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 30, 2016 6:35 pm

What is the part number for the pump?

PZKW108 · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 5:23 pm **Posts:** 461

wilco549 wrote:

PZKW108 wrote:

so if I can find a later ram 1500 545rfe, I think they made it till 2011, I could also use the TC from the Ram ?
what is the differance between the " euro " Tc and the OEM from a Ram 1500. if it can handle the GDE hot tune that will be some good news as I can probably get it for cheaper than the "euro" TC.
that would help a lot to stay within my budget and maybe I would be good to get the GDE trans tune :-)r

Another question, do I still need to upgrade the pump with a recent 545rfe ?

thanks

seb

I think the solenoid pack/vb changed in '09 and are not compatible. You can change the solenoid pack/vb out with one that has the white connector and it will work. There is a thread in the forum viewtopic.php?f=5&t=78883&p=886073&hilit=ram+11+transmission#p886073 that details the issues.

I opted to go with a low mile '07 unit that has the upgraded pump and correct Sp/vb. I'm planning on using the hemi TC as others have with good results. The pumps were upgraded in the '07MY.

Can someone comfirm what Wilco said about the year they change the selenoid pack ?

As soon as I'm sure about the Tc from a Ram 5.7l and the latest year for the trans I can put in my Jeep with no issue. I will order one right away ( I have acces to a wide variety of 545rfe )

Thanks

Seb

wilco549 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 01, 2016 7:45 am

It appears that the OD solenoid was removed in '09 and up. http://www.sonnax.com/articles/304-45rf ... or-pin-out

hope this helps!

PZKW108 · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 5:23 pm **Posts:** 461

wilco549 wrote:

It appears that the OD solenoid was removed in '09 and up. http://www.sonnax.com/articles/304-45rf ... or-pin-out

hope this helps!

thanks Wilco !!!

wilco549 · **Posted:** Mon Apr 04, 2016 7:49 am

I replaced mine with an '07 Hemi Durango. Pretty much a direct change except for the shift lever and the rear T-case adapter. The bolt holes on the adapter are not correct for the tranny mount and the shift lever is wrong length and angle.

PZKW108 · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 5:23 pm **Posts:** 461

wilco549 wrote:

I replaced mine with an '07 Hemi Durango. Pretty much a direct change except for the shift lever and the rear T-case adapter. The bolt holes on the adapter are not correct for the tranny mount and the shift lever is wrong length and angle.

You are not using the TC from the durango as I can see on your mods list ?

wilco549 · **Posted:** Mon Apr 04, 2016 7:20 pm

PZKW108 wrote:

wilco549 wrote:

I replaced mine with an '07 Hemi Durango. Pretty much a direct change except for the shift lever and the rear T-case adapter. The bolt holes on the adapter are not correct for the tranny mount and the shift lever is wrong length and angle.

You are not using the TC from the durango as I can see on your mods list ?

No, I'd already bought the FTC for my problem tranny so I re-used it.

Tell you the truth, I seriously considered using the hemi TC considering the FTC and my original European TC both shuddered in my old tranny. Pretty sure it had a worn TC control valve in the pump and possibly worn clutches causing the problems.

So, a new TC will not solve every shudder problem. :banghead:

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