45RFE Transmission

A transmission is an important automobile component, which transmits engine power to the wheels. There are two types of trannies: a type which automatically changes its gears, and another type which requires manual operation to change its gears.

The former is generally called automatic unit (AT) which includes ATs that use physical gears, continuously variable unit (CVT), and hybrid one. These unitrs automatically change gear ratios to transmit engine power to the wheels in response to the driving condition of the vehicle.

The latter that require manual operation to change gears are generally called manual transmission (MT).

In a car with a manual type the clutch will bridge the tranny and motor, so you can change gears when you press the clutch pedal. In an automatic gearbox this happens completely automatically.

The debate over manual versus automatic transmissions is largely subjective. As a country of car people, there are many opinions about what makes the best ride. It really depends on what you need and how you want to feel when cruising in your vehicle. Some people describe feeling powerful while driving a stick shift, while others find it difficult and appreciate the ease and safety of an automatic.

These days, most people buy a car with an automatic transmission. Manual vehicles, however, have a certain allure to them—images of fast cars roaring along an open road. Or, if you were given your mom’s hand-me-down vehicle as a teenager, manual cars can remind us of learning to shift, but mostly stalling, in an empty parking lot.

What is the difference between 45rfe and 545rfe?

The 45RFE 4-stage box was launched in 1999 for powerful Dodge Dakota Jeeps and pickups. Almost simultaneously its 5-speed modification 5-45RFE was released. In 2004, the boxes were significantly modified.

The main purpose of this modification of transmissions is to use powerful SUVs and pickups. Subsequently, on the basis of this modification of the gearbox was designed a five-speed transmission called 5-45RFE. Four and five-speed versions have more than 90% of parts interchangeable, which allowed them to easily perform repair work. The difference is in additional drive shafts and a bigger size of the hydraulic block. The 45RFE transmission and its five-speed variation are known for being a durable and reliable transmission. The appearance of serious breakdowns with the proper operation is very rare. Despite the development of this transmission model for use with heavy-duty engines, the gearbox is compact in size. This can be explained by the active use of electronic control systems, which have reduced drive shafts and the hydraulic unit itself. This helped to considerably simplify repair work.

The only difference between the two trannies is that the 5-45 has a 67 final overdrive gear ratio. The 5-45 has all the same ratios as a 45RFE but adds one more gear to the end.

Who makes the 545rfe transmission?

The Chrysler 545RFE / 45RFE transmission is a 4-speed automatic transmission, produced in 1999 for engines (4.7 l) of powerful off-road vehicles and pickups. A little later in 2003, a 5-speed automatic transmission 5-45RFE was introduced. Design features of the transmission family, long operation and aggressive manner of driving lead to breakage of the automatic transmission.

Is the 545rfe a good transmission?

The 45RFE and 545RFE automatic gearbox in WJ were known. It included three planetary gears rather than two, usually used in a four-speed automatic transmission. This gave it six theoretical speeds, and it would be the first gear with six speeds ever created in volume, but it was programmed to use only five of these relationships. Four of them were used to increase the transmission, from another second transmission to a lower one. Although five of the six ratios were used, Chrysler decided to call it the “4-speed automatic transmission”. In 2001 programming was changed to use all six ratios. Instead of having six forward gears, the gear was programmed to act as five speeds with an alternative second gear shift to a lower 2nd Prime-1.50: 1 at kick down. The number of rpm at 70 miles per hour on the 545RFE is 2000 rpm, 200 rpm less than the 45RFE programming. In 1999 and 2000 model years, WJ owners can change the programming of their 45RFE transmission to include an additional mechanism as both transmissions are physically identical. 42RE 4-speed automatic transmission on the WJ has remained unchanged for the in-line 6 4.0 engine. It had minor differences from the previous Grand Cherokee ZJ model.

For about 40 years (1950-1990) Chrysler automatic transmissions were regarded as just about the best in the world, though they were getting a bit outdated in the late 80s when everyone else had gone to 4-speeds. Then the notorious front-drive A-604 (41TE) and its other electronic front-drive relatives ruined that reputation, even though the rear-drive transmissions remained very good after getting an overdrive gear in about 91.

The 545RFE is a late 90s design (first called the 45RFE and using only 4 forward speeds). The 545 version uses 5 speeds in sequence upshifting but has 6 total speeds so it has an alternate gear for kickdown (called 2′- pronounced “two prime“). 2′ is also substituted into the shift pattern when the “Tow/haul” mode is selected, while the top gear (second overdrive) is dropped out to increase the overall cruising gear ratio. The 545RFE is a great tranny that is well-regarded, durable, and reliable.

What is a 66rfe transmission?

Chrysler’s new 45RFE tranny, launched in 1998, used three planetary gear sets instead of the usual two. For the 2012 models, the 545RFE was calibrated and launched as the 65RFE in 1,500 Ram models. Except for the advanced torque converter, it is almost identical to its predecessor. The major difference in the 65RFE is the ability to use all six forward gears in sequence when using Electronic Range Select mode. The 2500 and 3500 gas-powered models received the 66RFE, a hybrid 68RFE internal gearbox (including) packaged in the 545RFE case.

Editorial Staff

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