Transmission Filter For 45RFE

[Shankster]

When I searched recently it seemed like there was some confusion re what sump filter to use for the 45RFE transmission - some said the 4x4 filter was different than the 4x2 filter and others said they were the same. I just got my WIX transmission filter kit in the mail and it came with a really good explanation of which filter you use in which transmission. Varies by year apparently too. Anyway, here it is. This should apply to any manufacturer's filter - just make sure you get the correct style sump filter per the photos in this instruction sheet. The spin on filter is the same for all 45RFE transmissions. Hopefully this will come in useful for someone.

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[seafish]

Maybe the difference is that the CRD 4wd models used the 545RFE which takes 2 filters.

 

[Robochop]

I totally agree with you and thanks for the info! As I have had several Liberty's, I have seen several different filter types. Lately I have just been dropping the pan and pulling the filter before running to the local parts store to get the correct replacement.
Has anyone else noticed this trend? Every pan I have dropped seems to be sealed with RTV! This drives me crazy because it is so hard and messy to clean. The simple gasket that comes with it is such a breeze to put in and makes it cleaner for the next change. Just FYI, I usually install an aftermarket drain plug. It makes it less mess with pan fluid spillage, for the next filter and fluid change. Good for folks who keep their Liberty's for a long time.

 

[Shankster]

I totally agree with you and thanks for the info! As I have had several Liberty's, I have seen several different filter types. Lately I have just been dropping the pan and pulling the filter before running to the local parts store to get the correct replacement.
Has anyone else noticed this trend? Every pan I have dropped seems to be sealed with RTV! This drives me crazy because it is so hard and messy to clean. The simple gasket that comes with it is such a breeze to put in and makes it cleaner for the next change. Just FYI, I usually install an aftermarket drain plug. It makes it less mess with pan fluid spillage, for the next filter and fluid change. Good for folks who keep their Liberty's for a long time.

Agree on the gasket - a really nice thick rubber one comes in the WIX kit - I spent over an hour cleaning the old silicone off the pan flange and the transmission flange. I did put a thin smear of silicone on the pan flange to get the gasket to stick in position as I was having some issues getting it to stay put so I'll have to scrape that off next time - kinda wish I'd just fought with the gasket till everything lined up. I don't see any drips on the floor yet so hopefully it's good. By the way, I have the older style pan with the grooves pressed into the flange between the bolt holes - someone thought you can't use a gasket on those but it seems to have sealed just fine on mine.

I've done aftermarket drain plugs too and liked them. Any drain plug on a transmission becomes a concern though if you take your vehicle to discount oil change shops - I buddy of mine took his 80s Nissan Hardbody pickup in to one of those and they drained his transmission and sent him on his way - transmission blew up after a week. I've heard that Saabs have the drain plugs dangerously close together so it happens to them regularly.

 

[seafish]

I realize that this thread is about AT filters, but since you guys are also talking about drain plugs, thought Id point out that the PML#11079 is a cast aluminum “deep dish” transmission pan with a flat and thick lip flange in addition to a magnetic drain plug. It's also ribbed for pleasure, as well as cooling, and holds 2 extra quarts of ATF+4 too. Fits BOTH the 45RFE and the 545RFE.
Of course it wasn’t even close to $400 when I bought it years ago‍

Lubelocker also makes a very nice and reusable gasket for the RFE series AT.

Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge RFE- LLT-CRFE

Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge RFE Transmission. Also Fits 68RFE, 66RFE, 65RFE, 545RFE, and 45RFE

www.lubelocker.com

 

[04Liberty]

Maybe the difference is that the CRD 4wd models used the 545RFE which takes 2 filters.

All RFE's use two filters, one suction and one return.

Has anyone else noticed this trend? Every pan I have dropped seems to be sealed with RTV! This drives me crazy because it is so hard and messy to clean. The simple gasket that comes with it is such a breeze to put in and makes it cleaner for the next change. Just FYI, I usually install an aftermarket drain plug. It makes it less mess with pan fluid spillage, for the next filter and fluid change. Good for folks who keep their Liberty's for a long time.

Factory started doing that a long time ago; RTV is cheaper than a gasket.