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Bunkey
Dodge Dakota
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11/14/2003
09:11:23

Subject: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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On the 5-45RFE automatic transmission used in the 2004 Dakota,RAM 1500 and 2500 series trucks against the 4.7 litre engine, can someone tell me what the ratios are for first, second, third, fouth and fifth gears ?? I am specing out a 2004 Dakota tryingto match the proper rear end to my purpose but have been unsuccessful in getting these ratios from two dealers contacted.

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.



Billy Bob
Dodge Dakota
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11/14/2003
12:18:18

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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This was the first hit when I searched for rfe ratios.

Here are the ratios...
545 rfe tranny

Gear Ratios
1st 3.00
2nd 1.67 - upshift; 1.50 kick-down
3rd 1.00
4th 0.75
5th 0.67
Axle 3.73
Overall Top Gear 2.80 - 4th; 2.50 - 5th





Bunkey
Dodge Dakota
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11/15/2003
08:16:05

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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BillyBob, thank you. I had searched the internet but found nothing. Guess you young guys know how to do this stuff while some of us old pharts just hit and miss. Thank you for the info.



Billy Bob
Dodge Dakota
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11/15/2003
11:24:10

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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No sweat. I just used the search on this site. There is alot of info in here.



Bunkey
Dodge Dakota
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11/15/2003
17:48:25

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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HEY BillyBob !!!!!! Why the heck didn't I think to use the search site on this forum ??? Man, I am, DUMB !! DUMB ! DUMB!!!!!!!
Thanks for pointing that out. BOY, do I feel stupid !!!! And DUMB !!!! DUMB !!!! DUMB !!!!!!!!!



Vic
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2003
01:53:01

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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Speaking of the 45RFE Automatic 5 speed, what is its ATF capacity. I wanted to change my fluid, but the manual doesn't show this fact. Thanks!



This Many
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2003
09:06:52

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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14 qts



TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2003
09:45:59

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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Billy Bob,

Wouldn't the ratios and gears you posted be a SIX speed?

The three forward gears, the 2nd used for downshifting, and an overdrive, makes 5, and then I guess the newer autos, with a different program add another gear, making it six, or are you saying there are only 5 forward gears on the newer autos-pretty nice set up, and that coming from a manual only guy.



Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2003
11:02:33

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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Although there are six different ratios, there are still only 5 shifts, counting the first one (starting in gear, it will shift 4 more times; for 5 speeds). 14 qts is for a complete flush; about 8 qts if you're just dropping the pan and changing the filters.



HaveThisMany
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2003
18:24:05

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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17,on hand for a flush just to be sure you have enough.



GraphiteDak
GenIII
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11/16/2003
23:25:17

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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Interesting. I read somewhere on here a while back that the 5th gear counted was just because we had to diff 2nd gear ratios to use, otherwise stating that we only had 4 gears when upshifting.

But I've had my truck for maybe 6 months now and it sure as sh*t upshifts from 1st 4 times plus the lockup. It is definitely a 5 speed not a 4. This tranny is kick a$$. It tows my sh*t great too. The first auto to compete with the manual boys.

Now that that's said. What's this new program? Does it make my tranny shift between the two 2nd gear ratios? Funny because sometimes when I'm towing in the really high altitude (around 7000 ft) and going up a big hill and I accelerate from a stop and go thru the gears it has occasionally went from 1st to 2nd, then as it was around 5000 RPM's dropped like into the other 2nd gear ratio which dropped less than 1000 RPM's and then shifted normally thru the rest. Now I KNOW it isn't just locking up the converter, I know what that is like and that doesn't really happen under WOT and those kind of RPM's. But given that I have counted my tranny using approx 6 gears then the lock up once I've come out of the hill. It doesn't happen often tho.



Pittdawg
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2003
00:41:17

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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I can't tell you how much I argued with some other guy on this forum one some old post but I'm pretty damn sure the 2000-02 look like this:
45fre
1st
2nd Prime, 2nd alternative
3rd
4th w/ overdrive

while the 03's look like this:
5-45fre
1st
2nd Prime, 2nd alternative
3rd
4th
5th w/ overdrive

I also heard it is simply a tcm programming difference, but the hillbilly transmission mechanic argued with me that for 03 the only added an extra 2nd gear, I was like, no mine already has the extra gear, I want the the extra overdrive and he claimed i was mistaken. Whatcha y'all think.

P.S. I'm almost sure I am right, 2003 was the first year DC advertised the 4.7 dak as a 5 speed auto.



Pittdawg
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2003
00:41:22

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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I can't tell you how much I argued with some other guy on this forum one some old post but I'm pretty damn sure the 2000-02 look like this:
45fre
1st
2nd Prime, 2nd alternative
3rd
4th w/ overdrive

while the 03's look like this:
5-45fre
1st
2nd Prime, 2nd alternative
3rd
4th
5th w/ overdrive

I also heard it is simply a tcm programming difference, but the hillbilly transmission mechanic argued with me that for 03 the only added an extra 2nd gear, I was like, no mine already has the extra gear, I want the the extra overdrive and he claimed i was mistaken. Whatcha y'all think.

P.S. I'm almost sure I am right, 2003 was the first year DC advertised the 4.7 dak as a 5 speed auto.



mclass55
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2003
02:39:27

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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I think the 5-45rfe is just a marketing idea, and both trans are the same. They are just now counting the dual second gear twice and getting 5 speed. The side of my tranny is labeled just RFE, no 4 or 5 before it.



01dakota355
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2003
12:50:21

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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The 45rfe and 5-45rfe trans are mechanically the same. The computer programming is different starting in 2003 to get another gear ratio out of the different planetarys (there are a total of at least 8 possible gear ratios from them, but not all are useful), therefore GraphiteDak is right: the shift sequence would be 1,2,3,4,5,lock-up. 2nd "prime" is used only as an alternate for the regular 2nd gear for heavier acceleration, passing, etc. It's smoother than downshifting into regular 2nd.



Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2003
16:55:07

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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Pittdawg - you are correct - mechanically the same tranny with the fifth gear obtained electronically. It may be possible to program into yours, I think I heard it was being programmed into some Jeeps. Some of those hillbillies like to argue even more than I do !



GraphiteDak
GenIII
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11/17/2003
21:11:29

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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That's some great info guys.

I guess if you used all 8 ratios they would be so close together that with the added time with the additional shifts (and engine retard each and every time) it would probably cause less performance. Maybe???

I'm very happy with the way my 2003 works. Just bummed that the PCM is different or I'd mess more with that torque management.

However, I've never driven a 2002 or older Dak with the same tranny.

Now, I do have a 1998 Chrysler. And I tell you when that car shifts it really lags when it retards the timing and shifts. My 2003 Dak seems to shift fairly quick as compared to our car especially if I'm kicking that pig good. Maybe the 2003 Dak's allready shift better than the 2000 thru 2002?




Knucklehead
Dodge Dakota
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11/18/2003
16:24:15

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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I don't know if they already shift better. I get a thud(jerk) during the 2-3 and sometimes during the other shifts except the 1-2 shift, that shift usually lags.
I've had it to the dealer and they updated the pcm with the most recent flash but it's no different. I've read on another board that others have been experiencing the same problem.



Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
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11/18/2003
17:08:02

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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Never heard anyone suggest the 2003s shift better before. My 2000 was the first year for the 45RFE in a Dodge, It shifts quite well, not too harsh or too slow.



GraphiteDak
GenIII
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11/18/2003
23:49:48

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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Yeah Kowalski, I have nothing to base it by because I have not driven another one in a older Dak. But I know trannies some what and always had shift kits, etc. Our 1998 Chrysler (which I JUST modified succesfully today!) shifted really slow and had that crappy exhaust sound as the timing / fuel backed off.

But my truck does it only slightly especially on full throttle. When I was playing with the signal with a home brew circuit that delayed the change in signal to the PCM, it did help but not much.

I think my truck shifts just fine as is, and I should leave it alone seeing that I do tow once a month or so.

I'm going to post my results with my Chrysler on another thread, ( http://www.dodgedakota.net/boards/gen/14821.html ) go check it out. It's the same color wire and set up as your Dak's. People seem to like my pictures I take.



rockgod
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
20:48:03

RE: 5 - 45RFE automatic
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Aren't these the same transmissions that come in the much heavier full size 4 dr Ram's with the 345 hp Hemi? Seems like they would be loafing in our trucks. Mine shifts pretty good but I wouldn't mind if the shifts were a little tighter. Can that be done by the dealer?



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