Is The Aisin Available in the 2500?

[Buffalo]

Does anyone know, for sure, whether the Aisin Trans. is available in the 2500 models? My brother-in-law and sister are considering an new 2020 GMC, 4X4 but, I read here, in the TDR, that the new Allison is going to be made by GM in a Flint, MI. factory and just "badge" the new trans. as an Allison. The Allison was one of the main reasons for considering the GMC. Now, they are looking at the Ram but, want the Aisin trans. What they will be towing will not require a 3500. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, in advance, for your advice.

 

[Jeff Knight]

Aisin = 3500 only

 

[SnoKing]

Buy a SRW 3500, among other things the tire pressure nanny will not drive one crazy. 11,700 GVWR for SB and 12,300 for the LB in recent years. 7000 RGAWR vs 6500. Few hundred dollars more. SnoKing

 

[Buffalo]

Thanks for your Replies. My BIL & sister have not owned a diesel pick-up and I'm a bit concerned that the 3500 might be a bit too heavy-duty for them in the future. They are retiring in April of 2020 and have bought property in Scottsdale, AZ. and want to build a retirement home. They live a bit N/E of Cincinnati, OH., now. My BIL would like to start a bit of a car collection once he gets out here and has purchased an enclosed car hauler and another smaller enclosed trailer and decided that he could pay for the trailers if he used them for the move rather than hire a moving company. That is the main reason for the need for a pick-up. They want to keep the truck once they get out here, along with the trailer, to move purchased cars. Also, they would like to travel in the mountains of AZ. and drive down the back roads and a 4X4 diesel pick-up would fit their needs. My BIL personally knows the local Cadillac/GMC dealership owner and has done business with him for many years so, that was the reason for considering the GMC. However, with the new info. regarding the Allison trans. not actually being a true Allison, it was time to take a long look at the competition and they really like the looks of the Ram. My sister will be driving the Ram, regularly, and I think an empty 3500 SRW will have a ride that she will not enjoy over the long run. My friends all have Chev. Duramax/Allison 2500's and I've ridden in them and think that they are more civilized as far as the ride goes. I don't mind a rough riding truck as I have a '91.5 3/4 ton, 4X4 Dodge/Cummins that does have a rough ride. Even my old dog hated that truck!!! I, also, have an '03, 3500, SRW, QC, NV-5600, 4X4 with a suspension kit on it and it rides rough, also. Personally, I don't mind the rough ride on either truck but, my sister may not see the humor in the ride!!! I'm a bit concerned about the Ram 2500's with a de-rated Cummins engine and the 68RFE trans. I thought the ideal would be the HO Cummins with the Aisin trans. but, it seems that it only comes in the rougher riding 3500. I'd buy it in a heartbeat but, I really don't think my sister would be happy with it. So, it seems to be coming down to a choice between the GMC 2500 with a questionable 10 speed auto. or the Ram 2500 with the 68RFE. I don't know much about the 68RFE? How do you guys that have them or know how good a trans. they are, like them??? My BIL just told me that, most likely, this will be the last pick-up he ever buys but, he would like to keep the truck he does buy. I'm sure he wants to get the best one for his needs. Once, again, thank you for any help or advice you can share with us. We really appreciate what ever you can offer.
Buffalo Joe

 

[Buffalo]

SnoKing,
Would you please elaborate on the "tire pressure nanny" driving people nuts. I've not heard anything about it but, if it is a problem, my BIL, sister & I would certainly like to know about it, in advance. Thank you, very much.
Buffalo Joe

 

[Cummins12V98]

Buy a SRW 3500, among other things the tire pressure nanny will not drive one crazy. 11,700 GVWR for SB and 12,300 for the LB in recent years. 7000 RGAWR vs 6500. Few hundred dollars more. SnoKing

I believe they resolved the inflation of 80 psi rear on the 2500’s.

 

[JR]

I'll be the first - and likely the only - to go against the grain and tell you the Aisin is obviously overkill for your inlaws if they truly require a 2500. I've got a 3500 SRW with a 68rfe with a touch over 100k miles and its been great. My bigger complaint is the non optioned 3.42 gears - but the truck, transmission, engine brake, has treated me well. I have zero complaints. Is the Aisin a superior unit? Im sure it is given the almost $3k premium, not to mention the nearly double maintenance costs. But if towing within the trucks limits and not using it for commercial use I honestly dont see the advantage.

 

[SnoKing]

SnoKing,
Would you please elaborate on the "tire pressure nanny" driving people nuts. I've not heard anything about it but, if it is a problem, my BIL, sister & I would certainly like to know about it, in advance. Thank you, very much.
Buffalo Joe

One the 2500 if you lower the rear tire pressure while empty to improve the ride you get an low pressure warning on the dash. One the 3500 the system just shows tire pressure on a screen you select, and not alarm. SnoKing

 

[DHayden]

Ofcourse my preference is the Ram, but for what your BIL and sister are looking for I would not be concerned with the GMC 10 speed. It may not be a "real" Allison but I doubt it will be problematic. Especially if they are not going to be towing heavy and often. It "should" get good mileage also. Having Chevy, Ram and Ford at work, I can tell you that if ride is most important to your sister the Chevy is the best choice. Not down playing a Ram, just being realistic for what it sounds like they want/need.

 

[SnoKing]

I'll be the first - and likely the only - to go against the grain and tell you the Aisin is obviously overkill for your inlaws if they truly require a 2500. I've got a 3500 SRW with a 68rfe with a touch over 100k miles and its been great. My bigger complaint is the non optioned 3.42 gears - but the truck, transmission, engine brake, has treated me well. I have zero complaints. Is the Aisin a superior unit? Im sure it is given the almost $3k premium, not to mention the nearly double maintenance costs. But if towing within the trucks limits and not using it for commercial use I honestly dont see the advantage.

I will start by saying I love my 3.42 gears. Cruising on the freeway at low RPM's empty is great. 80 MPH is 1750 RPMish. Now the Aisin! The Aisin has a lower first and second gear ratio which gets a heavy load moving. We towed the 5th wheel at a combined 24,500 lbs effortlessly. We towed at 60-62 MPH and in tow haul at 1750 in 5th gear. In tow haul it will not shift to 6th gear until 65+ MPH. If other gears had been available I would have gotten 3.73, which I now know would have been a mistake. SnoKing

 

[Newsa]

The Chevy/GMC (2500) will drive more like a car than a truck.

Other options: Ram 3500.SRW with Aisin, Ram 2500 with 68rfe, Nissan Titan XD with Aisin. But realize that 5.0 cummins is not built as sturdy as the legendary 5.9/6.7 series.

 

[NIsaacs]

They might consider a Ram gasser 2500 with the 8spd.

 

[EZeis]

Go 3500 SRW or DRW if needed. You failed to mention what kind of weights they would be towing. Or if they would ever need/plan to go heavier. Car trailers are all over the place weight wise. Liked said before, a 3500 SRW isn't much more in cost than a 2500 and you get a significant gain in weight capacities. Also the Aisin trans is available. 3500's come standard with limited slip as well. Love my 18 Tradesman 3500 SRW crew cab long bed. It has the Aisin. GVW is 13200. Would of went DRW had I needed the extra capacity.
My 3500 SRW with the auto leveling rear air suspension rides great. Way better than my 07 2500 did. Best riding HD truck I've owned or rode in. Rides great empty or loaded. So glad I have the auto leveling option. Wouldn't buy another Ram without it.

Earl

 

[SnoKing]

Go 3500 SRW or DRW if needed. You failed to mention what kind of weights they would be towing. Or if they would ever need/plan to go heavier. Car trailers are all over the place weight wise. Liked said before, a 3500 SRW isn't much more in cost than a 2500 and you get a significant gain in weight capacities. Also the Aisin trans is available. 3500's come standard with limited slip as well. Love my 18 Tradesman 3500 SRW crew cab long bed. It has the Aisin. GVW is 13200. Would of went DRW had I needed the extra capacity.
My 3500 SRW with the auto leveling rear air suspension rides great. Way better than my 07 2500 did. Best riding HD truck I've owned or rode in. Rides great empty or loaded. So glad I have the auto leveling option. Wouldn't buy another Ram without it.

Earl

Sure your GVWR isn't 12,300????

 

[Jim W]

I have a 3rd gen truck with the 68RFE auto and the 6.7L Cummins in my 2008, 2500 Mega Cab 4X4. I love the truck and with a few improvements I have made to the truck it works great and pulls my 5er with no problems. My truck has nearly 124K miles on the OD. I service this truck regularly every 7,500 miles max oil change and filter, differentials have their gear oil changed every 40K miles with the transmission being serviced every 60k miles or so. Coolant every 5years per Rams recommendations.

One of the changes I have made is I have removed the sensors for TPMS in the rims with my tires that I use. The TPMS dings four times at start-up and than the idiot light just stays on. I also have air bags on the truck to adjust the height as needed when carrying a heavier load in the bed or towing. Shocks are Bilstein's 5100 series with gauges installed to monitor the engine and transmission.

Now the 68RFE auto is a very reliable transmission as long as it is not abused such as extreme HP/TQ inputs. Some users on this forum have reported 250K miles or more before rebuild is required. But the transmission needs to be serviced regularly to obtained this.

I would not hesitate in buying a new 2500 or 3500SRW with the 68RFE auto and the 6.7L Cummins.

 

[EZeis]

Sure your GVWR isn't 12,300????

Yes 12300, not 13200, cell phone typo. Lol

Earl

 

[Cummins12V98]

To do it again I would most likely go AISIN with 3.42’s even tho I tow 33-35k combined.

 

[Buffalo]

Thank You, All, for your replies. My BIL, sister and I really appreciate your thought's, suggestions, experiences, etc.
Regarding the car hauler (enclosed), I believe I remember my BIL saying that the weight rating is around 7,000 lbs. I believe it has 15" wheels, on it. So, at this point, it will not be a heavy load for just about any diesel pick-up, 2500 or 3500. They have not towed, before so, are not really experienced in towing. For years, I have towed a 25' travel trailer that weighs pretty much the same as this trailer will weigh, loaded. So, I have an idea of what they are up against. I just want them to have a good experience with the truck they choose and have more than what they need in a towing vehicle. Either the Duramax or Ram will accomplish their task. They have bought 6 acres in North Scottsdale and the neighborhood is "horse property" so, there is a chance that they may be buying a small tractor, side by side, and collector cars, which, will be somewhat of a hobby, for him. I suggested the diesel as it will most likely do anything that he will encounter, in the future. They, also, are looking forward to traveling around AZ. in the mountains & deserts along with hitting the National Parks that we have in abundance here in the Western U.S. They like the idea of a vehicle that sits high thinking that if they ever get hit in the side, they will be safer. Again, you folks have come up with great suggestions and recommendations and I appreciate the info. and comparisons with older Dodge/Rams to the newer models. Thank You, again. You all are a wonderful resource that I have used in the past, many times, over the years. You didn't disappoint. If you have more suggestions, please continue to respond as I will continue to monitor this thread and am sending it to my BIL & sister.
Buffalo Joe

 

[JR]

I will start by saying I love my 3.42 gears. Cruising on the freeway at low RPM's empty is great. 80 MPH is 1750 RPMish. Now the Aisin! The Aisin has a lower first and second gear ratio which gets a heavy load moving. We towed the 5th wheel at a combined 24,500 lbs effortlessly. We towed at 60-62 MPH and in tow haul at 1750 in 5th gear. In tow haul it will not shift to 6th gear until 65+ MPH. If other gears had been available I would have gotten 3.73, which I now know would have been a mistake. SnoKing

Like you I favored the Aisin when truck shopping, and mostly because of the reviews on here. I test drove both. The Aisin appeared to have less flare between shifts and seemed to hold gears a little better. But I came across a deal too good to pass up on a rig with a 68 and have not been disappointed. Between flashes and the trans learning my driving habits the flare shifts have been erased. It hauls above GCWR and handles it well, accelerating and engine braking. Considering the up charge of the Aisin, shorter maintenance intervals and more expensive fluid I don't see the justification unless hauling commercial (read - LOTS of miles). It does everything I need and then some. Remember Sno, you and I both came from an anemic 4 speed auto! The 68 is light years ahead of my custom built 47.

You and 12v keep touting the lower first gear of the Aisin, that may lessen the strain on the transmission but everything aft still suffers undue stress due to the higher gears and does the truck no real favors, only the engine. For confirmation look no further than MY19 SRW gear ratios.

 

[p-Bar]

Take a couple of rear leafs out. Count the leafs in a 2500