Need Help With Engine Output/Transmission Variations

[GCecchetto]

Hello All;

It's been a really long time since I have been on the TDR. I'm thinking about purchasing a new Ram and have found the Ram website a little less than clear on the powertrain configuration of the new trucks.

I mistakenly thought the auto mated to the current cummins was the Aisin trans, but now I've realized that isn't the case. From what I have been able to figure out from the Ram site it looks like you have to at least buy a 3500 SRW to get the highest output engine mated to the Aisin trans (ouch $3000 option). I would ideally would like to purchase a 2500 (4x4 of course) with the high output engine with the Aisin trans. Can anyone tell me if that is available? If I remember correctly they show a 2500 with Aisin in the towing guide, but you don't get an Aisin option in the truck builder on the site. If I can't get the Aisin, I'm inclined to go with a manual trans but the hit in HP and torque is a bummer. I just don't know that I trust the standard 6 spd auto.

Lastly, it appears dodge has gone to a 5 link coil spring suspension in the rear, which I think is fantastic, is that standard on all 2500's? If I have to go to a 3500 SRW to get the Aisin, does it have the 5 link rear suspension or would I be back to leaf springs?

Sorry for all the questions, the dealers haven't been too helpful and there isn't one close to me to go take a look.

Thanks

 

[RustyJC]

If you need (or want) the Aisin, by all means go for it, but don't do it under the misconception that the 68RFE automatic has been troublesome, weak, etc. I've been towing 5th wheels with our truck below since September 2010 - the previous 5th wheel was 16K GVWR, the current one is 19K GVWR - and the 68RFE has done just fine. I did have an output speed sensor go bad which threw it into limp mode, so they replaced the speed sensor and a solenoid under the powertrain warranty, but that's the only hiccup I've had with the transmission, and that was not really towing-related since I was running empty when it threw the MIL light.

For my purposes, if I were buying a new truck, I'd almost certainly spring for the Aisin, but my experience is that the 68RFE has done just fine, and I haven't heard of many problems with it especially as compared to the previous 47/48RE automatics.

Rusty

 

[GCecchetto]

Thanks Rusty! That's good to know.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I suggest you look around on www.rambodybuilder.com to see what combinations have the different tow ratings, payload capacities, etc. Some people "think" all they need is a 2500 and then find their big trailer is beyond its tow rating. I had always run 2500s with about 8500-9000 lb. GVW but my current 3500 is a better match to what I carry and pull.

 

[GCecchetto]

Thanks for the heads up. In my case I won't be towing, I'm building a truck camper, that as I continue the fit-out is slowly becoming a little more than I won't in the bed of a 1/2 ton truck. The build can be seen in the Dirt Sherpa thread in the pop-up truck camper forum on the expedition portal. A 2500 will definitely carry the the load and 3500's a problem with AAA road service. Many people aren't aware that any vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or grater is considered commercial in AAA view and they will not tow the vehicle on their roadside assistance plans. I found that out the hard way with my 2007 3500 Megacab SRW. If you have a trailer or fifth wheel connected or a camper in the bed that has sleeping accommodations and toilet the treat it as an RV and will provide assistance. Yes I know, sounds like a load of #### but true none the less.

 

[RustyJC]

Maybe switch roadside assistance plans to Good Sam Roadside Assistance or CoachNet.

Just sayin'.............

Rusty

 

[GCecchetto]

Maybe switch roadside assistance plans to Good Sam Roadside Assistance or CoachNet.

Just sayin'.............

Rusty

I've thought about that but I've been with AAA for 33 years and get treated really well on the insurance side. Insurance is a benefit you get from membership, not the other way around, so no membership, no insurance. Definitely don't want to pay for two Roadside assistance memberships. That said, if It takes a 3500 SRW to get the Aisin, I may go that route. Wish they made it easier though. This has had me thinking about a Duramax powered GMC, they all get the Alison trans, and I'm a long time Ram fan, having owned three of them.

 

[GCecchetto]

Sorry for the redundant post.

 

[GCecchetto]

Stopped by a Dodge dealership this morning to take a look at the trucks and was able to confirm , by the trucks on the lot, that the 3500 SRW's are leaf spring rears. The windows had such a dark tint, and the sun wasn't all the way up yet, that I couldn't read the window sticker to see if the truck had the Aisin auto. Doesn't really matter, it's an option on the Ram website for the SRW, but I'll have to live without it since I really would prefer the 5 link rear suspension.

Now I just need to figure out if I'm going to take the hit in HP and torque and go with the 6 spd manual, or go for the 68RFE.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

After owning 5 Dodge Cummins trucks with the manual trans, my current 2013 is my first automatic. It has the 68RFE and so far I am very happy with it. I have 11,000 towing miles so far and I wonder why I ever had a manual. Good luck on your purchase, if it was me I would go RAM before GMC in a heartbeat.

 

[GCecchetto]

After owning 5 Dodge Cummins trucks with the manual trans, my current 2013 is my first automatic. It has the 68RFE and so far I am very happy with it. I have 11,000 towing miles so far and I wonder why I ever had a manual. Good luck on your purchase, if it was me I would go RAM before GMC in a heartbeat.

Thanks. I'm leaning toward the auto, and I agree, I'm a total Ram fan. The chevy fits my camper much better than the Ram, but I'd end up being unhappy driving a GM product.

 

[Ram4Sam]

My first Dodge Cummins (1991) was a stick, and so was my second (2001 6sp), so after 23 years of rowing a stick, it was all I knew. If it wasn't for a bad knee getting worse, I probably would still be rowing. It was a big leap for me to an auto but I didn't have to go very far or long until I realized these new autos are pretty cool......very happy I made the change. Only downside so far is my wife wants to drive it......

Sam

 

[GCecchetto]

My first Dodge Cummins (1991) was a stick, and so was my second (2001 6sp), so after 23 years of rowing a stick, it was all I knew. If it wasn't for a bad knee getting worse, I probably would still be rowing. It was a big leap for me to an auto but I didn't have to go very far or long until I realized these new autos are pretty cool......very happy I made the change. Only downside so far is my wife wants to drive it......

Sam

I feel your pain there? I'm in the SF Bay Area and the traffic is horrible. I remember many a day with severe clutch leg pump from sitting in traffic. Not fun, but not as scary as the thought of my wife driving my truck!

 

[Mawvelous]

Your are building your own camper? Better get a 4500 LOL

 

[MJWenrich]

I have driven my 3500 SRW long bed in the bay area and just came back from SoCal. I can tell you that the bad roads will have you wishing you went with a 2500. The 3500 is rough riding on our crappy cement freeways. Well loaded they settle down. If the payload is good enough on the 2500, you might be a happier camper. If the camper is heavy enough to settle down a 3500, then you might enjoy the extra payload capability. Like for towing. It has a class 5 hitch and will allow you to pour on some tongue weight.

 

[GCecchetto]

Your are building your own camper? Better get a 4500 LOL

Well, it supposed to be lightweight, but I also want it to be built like a brick $$$$ house, so it isn't as light as I would like. It's nothing for a 2500 though.

 

[GCecchetto]

I have driven my 3500 SRW long bed in the bay area and just came back from SoCal. I can tell you that the bad roads will have you wishing you went with a 2500. The 3500 is rough riding on our crappy cement freeways. Well loaded they settle down. If the payload is good enough on the 2500, you might be a happier camper. If the camper is heavy enough to settle down a 3500, then you might enjoy the extra payload capability. Like for towing. It has a class 5 hitch and will allow you to pour on some tongue weight.

I know what you mean. I've owned two 3500 SRW's. If all goes well I'm picking a brand spank'n new 2014 2500 SLT on Tuesday.

 

[GCecchetto]

Well, here she is, a brand new Big Horn. Guess I'll be back on the Register now. It was hard to find a truck that fit the bill, so I'm short the luxury group and I'll have to find a set up tow mirrors. But it does have the awesome Uconnect 8.4AN, which I am very impressed with, and the premium bench seat. It came down to a truck that wasn't yet on the lot that had the Uconnect 8.4A (not AN), the luxury group, steel wheels and tow mirrors, or this one with the premium seat, Uconnect 8.4AN and the aluminum wheels. Obviously I went for this one. Didn't want to wait and really wanted the premium seat for the storage and lumbar.

A couple of observations; the truck will lug itself below 1000 rpm before it downshift if you don't force it to ship with some accelerator, and I think the capless full filler is just stupid. It virtually guarantees getting #### in the fuel tank. I'll be looking for some type of a rubber cap to cover it. Every trip to the carwash will have it full of water. Otherwise, awesome truck.

 

[old guy]

There is two different Aisin trannys. The 68RFE and the 69 something the 69 something is an additional expense in the Max Tow package. The max tow package is only available in a DRW 3500 to my understanding. That baby is the TOW KING out tows a chevy by 7000 lbs . Even out tows a Ford 450.

 

[GCecchetto]

There is two different Aisin trannys. The 68RFE and the 69 something the 69 something is an additional expense in the Max Tow package. The max tow package is only available in a DRW 3500 to my understanding. That baby is the TOW KING out tows a chevy by 7000 lbs . Even out tows a Ford 450.

If the 68RFE is also made by Aisin, I feel much better about my purchase. Thanks for the info.