Chrysler A618 4-Speed Heavy-Duty Overdrive (Diesel) · Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM · Expert rebuild service since 1987. Lifetime warranty. Free diagnostic.
1990–2003 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel; heaviest-duty of the Chrysler A-series; behind the high-torque Cummins application
| Configuration | 4-speed automatic with overdrive — Cummins diesel application |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratios | 1st 2.74:1 · 2nd 1.54:1 · 3rd 1.00:1 · 4th 0.69:1 · Rev 2.21:1 |
| Fluid Type | Mopar ATF+4 |
| Fluid Capacity | 12.0 qts total, 6.0 qts service refill |
The 5.9L Cummins produces substantially more torque than gasoline engines — the A618 OD band fails faster than A518 under diesel torque loads, especially with performance tunes.
Symptoms: OD failure under diesel load; slip in 4th under boost; glazed band on teardown
Same governor solenoid failure as A518. Causes shift timing problems.
Symptoms: P1762/P1765; late shifts; TCC won't disengage
Max-weight towing with the Cummins causes forward clutch failure at high mileage.
Symptoms: Progressive slip in all forward gears under heavy load
Full disassembly with Cummins-specific heavy-duty clutch kits. OD band replaced with upgraded friction material. Governor solenoid replaced. All clutch packs replaced with Alto Red Eagle heavy-duty kits. Valve body rebuilt. Full soft parts kit.
ATF+4 every 25,000 miles for Cummins diesel applications. Performance-tuned Cummins: every 20,000 miles. Auxiliary cooler mandatory for sustained towing. The A618 (also 47RE) handles diesel torque but needs regular service.
Also called 47RH (hydraulic) or 47RE (electronic). 47RE is the common name for the electronic-controlled Cummins diesel transmission.
At stock power levels, yes. Performance tunes increase torque significantly — a built A618 with upgraded OD band and clutch packs handles stage 1-2 tunes. Beyond that, consider upgrading to the 48RE or 68RFE.
OD band failure is first to diagnose. Under max towing loads with diesel torque, the band wears faster. Band-only replacement is possible if clutch packs test good.
Mopar ATF+4.
$1,700–2,400. 2–3 day turnaround for diesel applications.
Free diagnostic, written estimate, lifetime warranty. Chicago's A618 rebuild specialists since 1987.
