Which would you choose? Where is your favorite source for transmissions?

Truck is a 99 Dodge Ram 3500 2wd with the diesel. Auto transmission. I think it is a 47re?

truck is used for significant hauling, concrete work. Bobcat, dump trailer, ect. 20,000+ lb on a weekly basis. The transmission was replaced about 3 years ago (not by me) and is already slipping again.

thanks for the help.

6/21/2011 12:34:33 PM

i think most yards have a 30day warranty on engines and transmissions

6/21/2011 12:46:47 PM

Depends on $price/$price/$price.
The reputation of the builder (for rebuilt) and how long you plan to keep the truck is another big factor.

[Edited on June 21, 2011 at 1:01 PM. Reason : l]

6/21/2011 1:00:35 PM

Rebuild with upgraded parts. Then never touch it again.

6/21/2011 1:02:52 PM

plan on keeping the truck for the forseeable future. Truck is a workhorse which the company depends on, so it needs to be done right. If i can spend alittle extra money and have peace of mind it will never break again, it will be worth it.

Which upgraded parts are important? Who around here is a reputable rebuilder?

I have no knowledge of this truck, nor of automatic transmissions. My usually method with automatics is swap it out with a junkyard trans, but this truck is more important IMO. I have also heard that these transmissions are notoriously bad.

6/21/2011 1:13:00 PM

{cracks knuckles and leans back in chair}


what jeepman said!


47RE/RH series trans just need some TLC during a rebuild and they will be excellent. Don't fuck around and buy a cheap rebuild, IMHO. Goerend, Garmon's Diesel, Suncoast are good vendors, to name a few. A local guy in Salisbury is Olee Poole - "Power By Poole" - he does rebuilds and knows his stuff (cannot remember who's parts he uses)


For a tow rig, the minimum upgrades:

- upgraded valve body
- billet strut & anchor
- good rebuild kit

Worthy step up:
- upgraded torque converter (triple disc is ~$1300 new, but well worth it)

6/21/2011 2:08:22 PM

It would actually cost less to convert to 5 speed, but you probably don't want to get into all that.

6/21/2011 2:35:23 PM

^ I think that's debatable. If you did stock everything, maybe, but while you're in there and swapping stuff I'd put in an upgraded clutch, etc. Then it's pretty much a wash.

6/21/2011 5:40:38 PM

A clutch is less than a converter. And a rebuilt NV4500 is a lot less than even a basic rebuild on one of those autos. But getting all the other parts for the conversion would be time consuming, and time=money when you are talking about a work truck.

Quote :

"If i can spend alittle extra money and have peace of mind it will never break again, it will be worth it."

Never say never. Just get a suncoast or goerend transmission with a warranty so IF there is a problem they will handle it.

6/22/2011 9:08:14 AM

There is a place downtown called messer transmission that quoted me 1700 to rebuild my transmission. Seems like half price compared to a goerend unit at $3550. I could buy two... Any experience with them?

Definitely want to stay auto. I have a manual truck as well and hate driving it compared to this one.

[Edited on June 22, 2011 at 10:22 AM. Reason : Phone correct]

6/22/2011 10:18:00 AM

Goerend is the shit. I have one of their triple disc billet converters and valve body/apply lever in my 47th.

They worked with me a lot and helped me decide what converter/what specs to build it to. Their products are great and the customer service I felt was fantastic. Andddd if I ever break anything and it takes out my torque converter I send it back and they'll send me a brand spankin new one.

6/22/2011 8:23:05 PM