Aisin VS 68RFE

[SBeretz]

Hey folks, I am starting to look at new trucks. My 06 is still doing just fine, but I have a little itch to get a new rig. Not real strong right now, but I did drop by the dealership yesterday and drive a few of the trucks. One of my questions is what is the difference between the 68RFE and the Aisin. Seems like the Aisin has the 865FtLb engine, what HP/TQ specs am I getting with the 68RFE?

Also, I am running a G56 in my current truck. It has been absolutely flawless in 190K miles, but I do think it runs too many RPM's on the highway for MPG's. It's been fine though, averaging over 18MPG for the life of the truck. I just put a new clutch in the truck 10K miles ago and it's been excellent as well. Thinking I might go with an auto this time around, but I am not totally sure just yet.

Seems the new trucks are powerful trucks. Mine's had a programmer on it since it had about 36K miles, and I can't remember the last time I took it off the 40HP setting. It has all the power in the world to pull my 40ft toyhauler, so while cool, the extra power doesn't do a ton for me.

I am also thinking of going with a Crew Cab and an 8ft bed vs another Megacab. I love the Megacab a ton, but I do miss having a full sized bed at times.

Anyhow, anything you all could provide me with would be appreciated. Scotty

 

[mpaulson]

From the looks of the trailer that you have in your signature, a 38' toy hauler, I personally would go with the Aisin. The 68RFE is a fine transmission and for the most part is a trouble free transmission unless you bump the power up. With the 68RFE the the power is 370 HP and 800ft-lbs. I've had both transmissions. I had the 68 RFE in an 07.5 and put 220K on it and chipped the whole life of the truck and all I ever did to it was replace the valve body due to some cross leakage within the valves. With the power of the Aisin version, I can personally say that I have no desire or feeling of lacking power compared to my last modified truck that was always on the tow mode as well. The New truck has way better pulling power than the modified truck had and I won't break it is the best part.
It has been repeated here that a warrantee rep for Ram said that the Aisin doesn't break, period.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Another vote for Aisin. There are far more complaints about the 68RFE over the Aisin.

Too many pre-mature failures for the G56 that turn me away from buying one. Ram also de-tunes the manual trucks now far below the auto equipped trucks.

 

[DHuffman]

There are far more complaints about the 68RFE over the Aisin.

That would be because there are way more 68RFEs out there than Aisins. Way more.
I'm on my third truck with a 68RFE and I have had no issues. I tow around 16,000 pounds.
I have nothing against the Aisin, but there is no way I could justify the extra $$. I run my trucks to around 90k miles and trade them in.

 

[SBeretz]

I'll add another point to the mix, I like to keep the trucks about 9-10 years. I have no idea how many miles, but like I said, the current rig has 190K on it. Been completely awesome, so I'd like to get another rig that offers as much trouble free service as possible. I don't plan to mod the new truck at all, other than whatever it may need to tow for me.

Also, I will get another SRW, any negative to the 3.42's with either transmission?

One more question, are all of the trucks coming with a limited slip rear differential? I didn't see it as an option. I don't "off road" with the truck, but it will be in snow and logging roads in the west and NE pretty often while deer and elk hunting. A truck without a good LSD or locker is just about worthless in those conditions for me.

 

[SBeretz]

Thank you all for the information though. Great stuff. Trucks seem insanely powerful these days with 865 Ftlb's of TQ.. That is amazing power from a stock truck..

 

[gsbrockman]

If you're looking at 3500's.....the anti-spin differential is standard, and has been for maybe four or five model years. The anti-spin differential is still an extra cost option on the 2500's, unless it's included within certain packages.

Between two trucks, I have over 106k miles of Aisin AS69RC use. I also have over 114k miles behind a 68RFE. Both are great transmissions, and will do you a great service if maintained properly.

That being said.....the first Aisin in my 2013..........sold me the 2nd Aisin in my 2014. It's worth every penny of MSRP IMO.

Life's short....try a DRW this time. In addition to having a choice of axle ratios, you might just be happier with the stability as well.

http://www.dieselhub.com/trans/68RFE.html
"The 68RFE is a diesel specific transmission, unlike previous designs, engineered specifically to meet the needs of the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel. The transmission's bandless design and upgraded filtration system extend maintenance intervals and reduce service costs. Additionally, the transmission is significantly stronger than Chrysler's 47RE & 48RE proved to be. Finally, the inline 6 Cummins has a 6 speed transmission to utilize all the engine's torque."

http://www.dieselhub.com/trans/aisin-AS69RC.html
The Aisin AS69RC is a 6 speed automatic transmission offered in the 2013 Ram HD. It is similar in design to the AS68RC, which was only available in chassis cab Rams mated to the 6.7L Cummins. The AS69RC is one of three transmissions offered for 2013, and will be standard on the high output version (385 hp/850 lb-ft) of the 6.7L Cummins. The transmission is larger and more robust than both the AS68RC and 68RFE. Ram claims the transmission has a 64% higher input torque capacity than the 68RFE. It is manufactured by Aison Seiki, a Japanese automotive parts supplier. Though actual input torque capacity is unknown, its application suggests it will be in the 850-950 lb-ft range. For comparison, the AS68RC has a max input capacity of 750 lb-ft. The AS69RC also replaces the AS68RC in chassis cab models for 2013. Its wide ratio spread provides low gearing for tow applications, while a relatively high 0.63 second overdrive keeps engine rpm low at highway speeds to maximize fuel economy."

True medium duty engine coupled to a medium duty transmission = great towing experiences.

 

[SBeretz]

GS, great information. I drove one of the Aisin's yesterday and it seemed real nice. I think if I was going with a new truck, the little bit extra overall price is probably a small amount of money.

Also, great info on the LSD part. Didn't know that. When I ordered my last truck, it was an option on everything.

As for a DRW vs SRW, my truck pulls as stable as I could want and the SRW has the added benefit of being better in the snow on old two track logging roads. I've driven a bunch of DRW's and they just aren't for me.

Again, I am still loving my old 06. It has been an absolutely awesome truck and still is. It would actually be pretty hard to part with it.

 

[gsbrockman]

It has been an absolutely awesome truck and still is. It would actually be pretty hard to part with it.

Lots of people............including myself.....have stated the same thing. After about 1 month (usually less) of 4th GEN ownership, that mindset soon becomes a distant memory.

 

[SBeretz]

I am with you there buddy.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

When I sold my 04.5 last year, I was instantly flooded with all of the memories made with that truck since we bought it new in 04. Actually made me choke up a bit. But after test driving some new ones, I realized how much advanced and comfortable they were over my old one. We're trying to avoid a monthly payment so as soon as my wife (banker) gives me the green light, I'll be back in the driver seat soon.

 

[SBeretz]

Yeah, I am in a decent spot. My truck has just gotten new ball joints and tie rod ends recently, so it honestly drives like new. My reverse lights and tachometer are still not working, but those two are relatively minor things for me. It literally runs and drives as good as new, or as good as I remember. I don't owe anything on the truck, so I am a good spot to deal. It's in great condition, just relatively high miles I guess, but you couldn't tell by driving it. Doesn't leak or lose oil, been running 5/40 Rotella in it since about 36K, so it starts very fast even in the colder temperatures. It does need new tire again in about 10K miles, so I was hoping to narrow down a new'er truck before that time. If I put new tires on it, it'll stay mine for at least another couple of years.

 

[SBeretz]

How are the 3.42's for pulling heavier trailers. My Raptor goes about 16-18K most of the time. The current G56/3.73's pulls it with 0 drama. Barely ever have to shift the darn thing!

 

[Cummins12V98]

I tow a combined load of 29K with truck in sig having 3:42's. I usually tow in 5th and cam pull all the grades along I-5 at or near 55. The Aisin does lower 1st and 2nd gears for easier starts when loaded.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I tow about 25,000 miles a year( at about 27.000# combined weight), My 04 modified 6 speed manual truck has done exceptionally well towing in the mountains of the west. I bought a new 2013 3500 with the 68RFE and 4:10 gears. COULD not be happier with the power,handling, transmission and quality of the truck so far.

 

[RVTRKN]

How are the 3.42's for pulling heavier trailers. My Raptor goes about 16-18K most of the time. The current G56/3.73's pulls it with 0 drama. Barely ever have to shift the darn thing!

I don't know about the Aisin, but my 2014 68rfe 3:42 equiped truck shudders and pings at 1000/1100 RPM in 6th when cruising 45MPH in the city, then accelerating when the speed limit increases to 50/55MPH. I like to run T/H due to this, which keeps the RPM's up when cruising at the slower speeds.

 

[SBeretz]

Good info, thanks for all of that. I'd probably go a little higher numerically with the auto, but I don't think it's available for the SRW's. I wished I could have gotten 3.42's back when I got my 06.. I run 2250 at 70MPH with my truck. While not abusive at all, it does feel like it is screaming when trying to push it above 70MPH.

 

[RVTRKN]

You must be running 4:10's in your Mega Cab with the G56?

 

[SBeretz]

You must be running 4:10's in your Mega Cab with the G56?

Nope, 3.73's. I have the older G56 before they lowered the 6th gear ratio.

 

[RVTRKN]

I forgot about the G56AD.