ZF Powerline for 2025 RAM HD Diesel

[bcbender]

I feel like LED Christmas lights are the worst IMHO

 

[Diesel85]

*Note the WIF light is on.

 

[Diesel85]

 

[Diesel85]

I test drove a 2025 3500 Cummins this morning and I put a little over 35 miles on it. Did the same with a 2024 HO Cummins. It was nice, the salesman pretty much threw me the keys and let me go drive them. Did a cold start and drove it good, and got it all nice and warmed up. The transmission shifts are crisper and more defined than on my EcoD, but way smoother than the Aisin. Comparing it to the 68RFE, it's better shifting, but felt slightly smoother transition between gears 2-6, 7 and 8th are extremely smooth shifts is about how I can explain it. It was 35F outside, and the truck warmed up about the same as my EcoD, and almost (but not quite) twice as quick as the 2020 Cummins I drive for work, which I thought was fascinating. Noise-wise, it is quieter, almost about the same cabin noise as the EcoD. Cummins/RAM did quiet it down slightly, but you still get that wonderful clatter, especially when cold and when you step on it. Equating it to the 2020 Cummins, it is marginally quieter. The gear shifter being electronic is effortless and less clunky due to it not being cable driven, but still has that nice kerchunk. Engine braking is slightly improved, and it seems like the engine takes advantage of the gearing when in auto mode, better than the previous transmissions. In the short drive I did, although I did get on it a little bit, I averaged 18.7 mpg on the EVIC.

Is it an upgrade to the Aisin/68RFE? Yes, absolutely. I feel as if it was a smart move and has the right amount of gears with logical gear step spacing for the new era Cummins.

Under the hood, I'm not sure if I like the fuel filter placement. Engine oil filter placement is phenomenal, almost like they copied the EcoD, but moved it to the passenger side. My only "scare" about having those upside down filters is cleanliness before removal. Like on my EcoD, I clean the area very well with compressed air and brake cleaner before doing any work to avoid having sand/dirt potentially falling in. I could see where folks/shops in a hurry and not take their time to clean it, and potentially getting debris in the system. I would've preferred conventional can-style filters across the board.

Would I upgrade from my EcoD right away? Man, it is hard pressed. Biggest complaint is the cab at this point. So reminded me of when I get out of my 2020 work truck and head into my 2020 EcoD cab to go home, I just feel like the extra few inches matter in terms of comfort that I get in the half ton cab, especially after a hard days work. Otherwise, gee golly, no improvements inside other that the feeling of the shifter and the transmission shift improvement. Blind fold me, and the only thing I'd notice is the transmission shifts.

I think at the end of the day, if you really needed to get a truck right now, and you want to stay with a RAM, personally, I'd just see if you could get a HO with a Aisin if you aren't willing to want to chance it if you plan on keeping it long term. If you are a leasee or one that swaps trucks every three years or so, then heck, I'd go for a 2025 and see how it works out.

 

[bcbender]

No new cab / no new truck for me. The '20HO/AISIN does everything I need and some I don't. Hard to believe it is quieter, My truck is silent compared to other's I've driven.. Drove a 24 Gas 2500 last week with the 8spd.. I know I do not like the 10spd / exhbrake feeling of GM / Ford... so Id be curious about its performance with the Ram programming and 2 more gears.. Personally I like feedback from the exhbrake and the 10spds just don't have it like the Aisin and ford 6spds.

 

[wyosteve]

Personally, I think the 8 speed will be great. I had it in my PowerWagon and it shifted seamlessly. Also got 18-19 on the highway with the big Hemi. About as good as my Cummins. My dealer has one 2025 on the lot, but think I'll wait for a few more to arrive so I can compare. From the photos, it looks like the interior is essentially the same as my '23. Same for most of the exterior.

 

[sarj]

I've been in my F350 Tremor for 6 months now. I put a Carli 2.5 lift on it w HD Deavers in the back, and 37's w/ Kings all around. So far, it's a fantastic truck. Only down side so far is the CP4, but I'm gambling the fuel additive for increased lubricity will pay off. If it doesn't work out, I have to admit my heart is still with the Cummins. A 2028-30 3500 Power Wagon w/ a Cummins with an 8 speed would get me back but they aren't building it, and so far, I have no regrets.

 

[Diesel85]

I've been in my F350 Tremor for 6 months now. I put a Carli 2.5 lift on it w HD Deavers in the back, and 37's w/ Kings all around. So far, it's a fantastic truck. Only down side so far is the CP4, but I'm gambling the fuel additive for increased lubricity will pay off. If it doesn't work out, I have to admit my heart is still with the Cummins. A 2028-30 3500 Power Wagon w/ a Cummins with an 8 speed would get me back but they aren't building it, and so far, I have no regrets.

If it's a 2024 or above, I believe (don't hold me to this!), they are running the improved design CP4 pumps as what the recalled CP4 pumps are going on the EcoDiesel.

Bosch seems to be very quiet about the whole thing.

As far as what they "improved", I am itching to know. I'd like to get a older CP4 and a new 2025 CP4 and take a look see. I doubt it's pinned rollers. I have a feeling it is a very subtle design change (metal hardness/spring pressure). Really surprised no on has done a video on this.

 

[Diesel85]

Here is a video on numbers:



With that being said, my ears don't lie, it is a slightly quieter truck.

 

[NIsaacs]

Pretty good review of the '25 Ram, by Motor Trend. This part of the drive is brutal I avoid this even in my SO with 3.23 first gear. But HO and 4.89, that's nuts.

"Starting with acceleration. With 19,000 pounds attached at the gooseneck, we perched the truck at the bottom of a hill that already registered a 6 percent grade. “Betcha we make 60 mph before that speed limit sign,” chuckled the Ram representative from the passenger seat, gesturing at a post in the distance. The throttle thumped to the floor. While some gearboxes can shift hard under load or hesitate between cogs, the TorqueFlite slushbox squeezed off the shifts with ease. And we did hit 60 mph just as the hitch passed the speed limit sign, which we were later told sat a quarter mile from our impromptu starting line. Cycling through the truck’s vitals on the digital dash reinforced how unfazed the truck was by the uphill grind."

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-ram-2500-3500-heavy-duty-first-drive-review/

 

[Terry]

I pick up my new 2025 3500 Limited dually two days ago, so far I'd say that this is the best shifting transmission I've ever driven. Especially the down shifting with full exhaust brake on coming all of the way to a stop. I can't wait to get my trailer behind it and drive it through the Colorado mountains most of this summer.

 

[NIsaacs]

@NIsaacs, you will need to start a new, "new truck" thread.

So, I went to go get my new truck yesterday and it is the wrong truck

Plain jane/utility type Tradesman. The salesman immediately jumped my case that I didn't know what I was talking about, that it was my truck. Our family friend, the GM ordered it. When I searched him out, he was appalled and didn't know how that happened. I still had my order codes on my cell phone and so did he. The first code is for a Bighorn....

Dang I am aggravated. I spent $600 for a professional detail. Now, I have to put it back to work, so it will get dirty, I have to put all my junk back in it and wait another 3 months.

 

[Topzide]

@NIsaacs, I think I'd ask the dealer for the detail money, or forego it when you finally go to get your new truck. That really sucks that happened! Hopefully won't take the full 3 months.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I think the Dealer can detail it.

 

[AH64ID]

That really sucks!

I would forgo the professional detail next go around, in my experience the cleanliness of a trade doesn’t have any effect on the value. I’ve traded multiple rigs that barely even get a visual inspection, let alone any deep inspection.

 

[Diesel85]

That really sucks!

I would forgo the professional detail next go around, in my experience the cleanliness of a trade doesn’t have any effect on the value. I’ve traded multiple rigs that barely even get a visual inspection, let alone any deep inspection.

Exactly. They send them to their collision shop to buff/light repaints for sale.

 

[NIsaacs]

I think this is new for the '25 3500 Max Tow, non auto level. Looks like they provide a torque snubber type leaf spring. They probably need it with the granny low 1st gear. I like it.

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/m...9MjAyNSZ0PWJpZy1ob3JuJmU9Ni03bC1sNi1kaWVzZWw=

 

[AH64ID]

I think this is new for the '25 3500 Max Tow, non auto level. Looks like they provide a torque snubber type leaf spring. They probably need it with the granny low 1st gear. I like it.

I think that started in ‘23, but maybe it was ‘24. Pretty sure I’ve seen it on the auto-level DRW’s too.

 

[Topzide]

@NIsaacs, Your images didn't take. Try to edit if possible.

 

[AH64ID]

@NIsaacs, Your images didn't take. Try to edit if possible.

Looks the same to me, but when I quoted the message I could see the image before I posted.