Dodge / Ram / Jeep · Rebuilt, built to order
Rebuilt 45RFE / 545RFE transmission for Ram, Grand Cherokee, Durango
A rebuilt 45RFE or 545RFE is Chrysler's rear-wheel drive and 4WD automatic for V8 trucks and SUVs, rebuilt in our Plantation, Florida shop. It is for owners of a Ram 1500 or 2500 with the 4.7L or 5.7L, a Grand Cherokee, Durango, Dakota, Commander or Aspen that slips, shifts hard or goes into limp mode.
Price
From $2,789
Final price confirmed for your VIN before you pay. Some years, engines and 4WD versions cost a little more. Plus a refundable core deposit.
- Type
- 4-speed (45RFE) or 5-speed (545RFE) automatic, rear-wheel drive / 4WD
- Build time
- About 4 to 6 weeks
- Delivery
- Free pickup or freight
Fits these vehicles
- Jeep Grand Cherokee with 4.7L V8 (1999 to 2000, 45RFE)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 (2001 to 2010)
- Dodge Ram 1500 with 4.7L or 5.7L V8 (2003 to 2011)
- Dodge Ram 2500 with 5.7L HEMI (2003 to 2011)
- Dodge Durango V8 (2003 to 2009)
- Dodge Dakota with 4.7L V8 (2003 to 2011)
- Jeep Commander V8 (2006 to 2010)
- Chrysler Aspen (2007 to 2009)
Common applications. Your VIN confirms the exact version before we build.
Signs yours is failing
- Slipping in 2nd or a harsh 2-3 shift
- Limp mode with shift or pressure codes
- Slipping in the top gears while towing
- Converter shudder or stalling when coming to a stop
- Fluid leaks or a burnt smell
Weak spots we fix
- Overdrive clutch wear, faster in trucks that tow
- Pressure regulator valve bore wear in the case, causing harsh shifts, slipping and low line pressure codes
- Solenoid pack faults that trigger limp mode
- Torque converter clutch failure and overheating when towing
What's in the rebuild
- New clutches, steels, seals and gaskets
- Updated parts for the known overdrive clutch and pressure regulator wear
- Solenoid pack checked and replaced when it's faulty
- Worn or damaged hard parts replaced after teardown
- Torque converter matched to your engine
- New filter and fresh fluid
- Written warranty
About the 45RFE and 545RFE
The 45RFE arrived in the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.7L V8. It uses four gears in normal driving, plus a second, alternate 2nd ratio. The 545RFE is the 5-speed version of the same design and became the main automatic behind Chrysler's 4.7L and 5.7L HEMI V8s. From 2003 to 2011 it went into the Ram 1500 and 2500, Grand Cherokee, Durango, Dakota, Commander and Aspen. It is a clutch-only design with electronic control and no bands. The 2WD and 4WD versions differ at the rear housing and output.
Why RFE transmissions fail
Heat and pressure loss are the usual culprits. The overdrive clutch wears fastest, especially in trucks that tow, and a slipping overdrive clutch shows up as flare or slip in the top gears. The pressure regulator valve bore wears in the aluminum case, which causes harsh shifts, slipping and low line pressure codes. The solenoid pack can fail and put the vehicle in limp mode. Torque converter clutch trouble shows up as shudder or stalling at stops. Old, cooked fluid makes all of it worse.
Rebuild vs used vs reman
These units were built in large numbers, so used 545RFEs are easy to find. The catch is that most come out of high-mileage trucks and SUVs with unknown towing history, and the overdrive clutch and valve bores can't be checked from outside. A reman is built to a general spec. We start with your VIN, then rebuild the unit in our Plantation shop with new soft parts, updated parts for the known wear points, a torque converter matched to your engine and worn hard parts replaced.
How it works
01
Send your VIN
We confirm the right unit and your final price.
02
Pay online
Secure Stripe link. Refundable core deposit.
03
We build it
Rebuilt in our Plantation shop. Usually 4 to 6 weeks.
04
Ship or pick up
Free pickup, or freight with tracking.
45RFE / 545RFE questions
Can a 545RFE replace my 45RFE?
The two look almost the same but differ in gear use and programming, and the right choice depends on your vehicle's year and computer. Send your VIN and we tell you which one you need before we build.
Is the 4WD version different?
Yes. 2WD units have a long tailhousing and output shaft, and 4WD units bolt to a transfer case. We build to your VIN so it bolts in.
Does a rebuilt 45RFE or 545RFE need a relearn?
Some units need a relearn or programming after install; we'll tell you if yours does. Chrysler units typically get a quick learn with a scan tool so the computer resets shift timing.
How is the rebuilt unit delivered?
Pay online, and we VIN-check the order and rebuild it in our Plantation shop. Pick it up at 631 S State Rd 7 or have it shipped by freight. A refundable core deposit applies.
How long does it take?
Units are built to order. Most are ready about 4 to 6 weeks after payment. Need it sooner? Call us, we can often work something out.
What is the core deposit?
A refundable deposit added at payment. Send your old transmission back to the shop and we refund it to your card once it's checked in.