Identifying the Auto Trans on 2018 2500 4X4

[gtwitch]

I know there is a quick and easy to identify the transmission (auto) whether it is an FCA/RAM or Aisain?? I am looking at a 2018 2500 4x4 with auto to purchase and I rolled under and the dipstick goes into the right side and the cooler lines are also on the right side ahead of the dipstick tube. I could not find the thread I read over a year ago.

Anyone? Thanks!
gtwitch in wyoming

 

[SnoKing]

2500 are all 68RFE's, they do not put the Aisin's in 2500. SnoKing

 

[Kirwin]

Aisin transmission dipstick is on drivers side. 68RFE is on the passengers side. As Snoking said, Aisin is only available in 2013 and up 3500 pickup trucks.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Don’t even pop the hood n look for an AISIN 3500 combo.

 

[JR]

Don’t even pop the hood n look for an AISIN 3500 combo.

Why? Without knowing the op's needs that could well be bad advice. The payload and tow ratings of a 2500 is more than enough truck for a lot of people. And there is nothing wrong with the 68.

 

[SnoKing]

Why? Without knowing the op's needs that could well be bad advice. The payload and tow ratings of a 2500 is more than enough truck for a lot of people. And there is nothing wrong with the 68.

Except the 3.42 gears in SRW and taller 1st and 2nd gears of the 68RFE.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Why? Without knowing the op's needs that could well be bad advice. The payload and tow ratings of a 2500 is more than enough truck for a lot of people. And there is nothing wrong with the 68.

Because nearly everyone ends up sooner than later buying a bigger RV and then it's the BandAid game.

I have owned both trans and yes the 68 is a good one BUT with the lower starting gears as mentioned and also more power and carrying/towing capacity it's well worth getting the 3500/AISIN combo.

 

[JR]

Not everyone has a desire to tow a 40 ft sailboat down the road . We own a 28 ft 5th and at times I would like to own smaller. For us camping is about the destination and we spend very little time in the camper. Large units limit the places one can park, especially on state lands.

 

[Cummins2014]

Because nearly everyone ends up sooner than later buying a bigger RV and then it's the BandAid game.

I have owned both trans and yes the 68 is a good one BUT with the lower starting gears as mentioned and also more power and carrying/towing capacity it's well worth getting the 3500/AISIN combo.

Thats good advice on getting the 3500, instead of the 2500, but the transmission, I disagree. Sure its the weight, but I am in that weight category where I needed a 3500, but the Aisin ,no !!. I am sure it does a better job with the lower starting gears because you said so, but the 68 in mine does fine with the weight I have.

As said before if I was going to spend two grand extra it would of been for something else besides that Aisin, not everyone needs that transmission. No regrets here.

 

[SnoKing]

"Want to buy my used RAM? Yep the transmission dip stick is on the drivers side!"

Sold in a flash!!!!!! Case closed!

transmission dip stick on the passengers side = a WALK!

 

[Cummins2014]

Not everyone has a desire to tow a 40 ft sailboat down the road . We own a 28 ft 5th and at times I would like to own smaller. For us camping is about the destination and we spend very little time in the camper. Large units limit the places one can park, especially on state lands.

I understand perfectly what you are saying, wife ,and I are talking about downsizing. But we have the two on here that are pretty adamant about the Aisin, its like no one else has ever towed anything but those two.

 

[Cummins2014]

"Want to buy my used RAM? Yep the transmission dip stick is on the drivers side!"

Sold in a flash!!!!!! Case closed!

Took you longer then usual, what did you do sleep in. And of course anyone else that doesn't tow with an Aisin, there experience or needs do not count.

 

[JR]

"Want to buy my used RAM? Yep the transmission dip stick is on the drivers side!"

Sold in a flash!!!!!! Case closed!

transmission dip stick on the passengers side = a WALK!

Gee how did you ever survive all them years with a lowly 4 speed


Better yet, how did you ever manage to sell it without a mighty Aisin behind it? Must of found a real sucker!


Your guys biased rhetoric are both predictable and tiresome .

 

[Cummins2014]

Except the 3.42 gears in SRW and taller 1st and 2nd gears of the 68RFE.

Seriously, it never ends with you two.

 

[Cummins2014]

Gee how did you ever survive all them years with a lowly 4 speed


Better yet, how did you ever manage to sell it without a mighty Aisin behind it? Must of found a real sucker!


Your guys biased rhetoric are both predictable and tiresome .

They should of mentioned the B&W hitch also, if you don't have one you are doomed. Without the Aisin ,AND the B&W it's pretty much impossible to have a good towing experience . How I got so lucky the past 12 years with a fifth wheel is nothing short of a miracle .

 

[JR]

I seriously wonder if they realize how much they contradict themselves . The Aisin is superior because of it's lower starting gears, yet the same logic does not apply for them when it comes to gear choices, LOL. A 3.73 or better yet imo around a 3.90 would be better for those starts AND provide less stress on the drivetrain throughout all the gears .
If I could change anything on my truck it would be the gear ratio, not the trans.

 

[gtwitch]

Thanks for all of the input and as I tow a lot, but not really heavy (14k at most right now) I might go with a 3500 CC and long 4dr cab but not mega so I can get the aisin although the 68 trans will probably last the life of the truck and at 75 years old, it will probably outlast me if my 99 CTD 2500 is any real indication!!!
gtwitch in wyoming

 

[JR]

Thanks for all of the input and as I tow a lot, but not really heavy (14k at most right now) I might go with a 3500 CC and long 4dr cab but not mega so I can get the aisin although the 68 trans will probably last the life of the truck and at 75 years old, it will probably outlast me if my 99 CTD 2500 is any real indication!!!
gtwitch in wyoming

I don't think anyone disputes the Aisin as a more capable unit, but also don't sell yourself short looking at a 68 if the deal is right. They just aren't as bad as some make it out to be. I was looking for Aisin equipped trucks when I was used truck shopping but they were VERY few and far between. I literally never even found a used 3500 SRW/Aisin combo within a 150 mile radius, and I looked for close to a year before I bought. That tells me there are a significantly larger number of 68's out there than Aisin, and the failures are still minimal. Just food for thought.

Off topic, but my son has been in Laramie visiting family as we speak. He is flying home today. I only wish I could have gotten the time off to go with!

Happy shopping!

 

[Cummins2014]

Thanks for all of the input and as I tow a lot, but not really heavy (14k at most right now) I might go with a 3500 CC and long 4dr cab but not mega so I can get the aisin although the 68 trans will probably last the life of the truck and at 75 years old, it will probably outlast me if my 99 CTD 2500 is any real indication!!!
gtwitch in wyoming

I wouldn't lose a minutes sleep over getting another 68, for towing the weight I do, and the weight you mentioned. My son tows heavy 5 days a week with a 68RFE with his business. Never an issue.

Its just a miracle how the Aisin fan club got by with the their older trucks .

 

[gsbrockman]

I seriously wonder if they realize how much they contradict themselves . The Aisin is superior because of it's lower starting gears, yet the same logic does not apply for them when it comes to gear choices, LOL. A 3.73 or better yet imo around a 3.90 would be better for those starts AND provide less stress on the drivetrain throughout all the gears .
If I could change anything on my truck it would be the gear ratio, not the trans.

Yeah......I ran those alleged “3.73 compromise” gears for 362k miles with my AS69RC. I and kthaxton figured it out a long time ago....
3.42=good
3.73=better
4.10=best

Additionally.......I also have repeated numerous times that the 68RFE is a much maligned transmission.

Now that I have 4.10’s in my 2018 4500 Cab & Chassis.....I’m still not in the Kool Kiddddz Klub.