48RE upgrades and order info

[sag2]

Here is info on the 48RE from the November Master Tech Reference Book. I have paraphrased a little bit.
Production of 48RE is scheduled for December. At that time production of the 47RE will stop.
Part of the design was to increase the durability to 150,000 miles. Major changes were made to the pump, valve body, friction material, gear train and park system.
The diesel pump has 20% higher capacity for adequate cooler flow. The addition of a seal ring to the reaction shaft allows the TC increased capacity for clutch engagement. The impeller hub on the torque converter is machined to accommodate the seal ring
The valve body provides increased line pressure in 3rd and 4th and during TCC operation, and allows the ability to engage the converter clutch in manual second gear for greater towing performance. The valve body also permits TCC engagement in drive-2nd gear for cooling protection, if the sump temp goes over 220 degrees. This may result in a change in shift quality, however.
The direct clutch in the 48RE's overdrive unit has 23 all new discs with friction material on one side only
The four-disc rear-clutch pack has been improved for greater durability. One disc was added to the front clutch for increased reverse torque capacity, and the overdrive clutch has five discs for non-HO and six for HO. The kickdown band lever ratio has also been increased.
The entire geartrain assembly is new, and all planetary gear sets and the overdrive carrier have a six pinion design. The front and rear carriers are made of cast iron, while the overdrive carrier is made of powdered metal.
The 48RE's drive shell is thicker for heavy duty reverse operation, and greater durability, and includes new thrust washers. To deal with higher vehicle weights, the park system has been enhanced with a new rod and wider park pawl. 2WD extension housing is designed to work with larger slip yolk.
Unlike previous automatic transmissions, the 48RE allows the use of an exhaust brake, too. It is a very robust transmission.

Sales says the trans is now available for order.