new 2024 at great price or 2025

[Diesel85]

I myself would wait at least two years before buying a new Ram with the ZF transmission that is being offered.

Why?

To make sure all of the bugs are worked out of the transmission mated to the Cummins engine in the newer trucks.

I know this is several years back in history, but when I worked for Cat, the company offered for a very limited time the ZF transmission as an option for medium duty wheel loaders. This was supposal a heavy-duty transmission for earthmoving equipment. The European dealers were demanding this transmission for their customers as they thought the ZF was better than the CAT transmission in the wheel loaders. The transmission when offered in the medium duty wheel loaders for European sales, and then they promptly feel apart under the duty cycle.

Just saying they might be a very good transmission in light duty application such as automobiles and such, but will they last in a heavy-duty application like our trucks. Will they last for the 200,000 or 300,000 miles like the 68RFE, and AISIN transmission do?

Just my viewpoint on some new products being offered at a marketing request.

What is really interesting is that the beloved ZF 8HP70/75 has a decent track record of being reliable. However, after many years of being out, and some folks having problems, there is now a nice write up on issues, along with apparent bulletproofing.

https://nextgendiesel.com/blogs/tra...6P2u62-Rud9Om2v6GvphcpEgh9nDfBFXRbTDBB4qkUUAn

Unfortunately, it may take more than 2 years before a good analysis will be done.

Have I noticed oddities with my ZF 8HP75? Yes, but only twice (slight shudder in 8th under moderate loading), and I can only attribute that to it not being perfect. Nothing I can really be concerned about. How will it be after 200-300k? Not sure. Likely won't own the truck for that long.

Not sure how the ZF 8HP75 is holding up to that new Hurricane SO/HO engines, but I'm reading reports that the Hurricane engine has been the weak link so far.

I can say after putting plenty of seat time behind a 68RFE, it's not a bad transmission. Do I like the gearing? Not particularly, but it gets the job done. Has thrown everything, including overloaded trailers at it with no problems. But I also don't race the truck around, as it's not my truck nor do I want to be calling the boss because I'm left stranded out in Timbuktu due to my negligence.

However, some of my coworkers drive the same 68RFE way harder than I do. No issues to report from that either.

It will be interesting to see how this ZF will hold up, along with the modified Cummins.

The old adage of throwing more power at it, something is bound to bust. This is one of them. Only time will tell.

 

[Timd32]

Yeah you could just buy one of each that's a decent return on even $1500 back in 1990. Now if it was late 1990 even better.

Jan 1990 2.6822 per share
Feb 2025 386.07 per share

And it typically returns 1.5% to 2.5% dividend.

But I would say go drive the 2024 got nothing to lose to do a test drive. May even just rent one for a week and see how you like it.

They are all absolute beasts for power what ever you choice is.

If the 2025 goes south someone is going to buy them up. They have made good on all issues I've heard of over the years.

 

[Cummins2014]

Yeah, could be, will grant you that. But I will stick with my Aisin anyway. I don't really "need" a new truck probably ever at my age. This 2014 should go the duration.

Same here , my 2014 68rfe has served me well . Only got 76k on it , most likely my last truck . Tows a fifth wheel around the mountain west a bit every year . Other than that it’s a garage queen. I’ve known guys that towed into their late 80’s , and a couple that went to 90 . If I’m that lucky I’ve got another 13 years . As far as how the 68 shifts , it’s been great , it was a bit harsh at first , especially down shifting in the mountains , after it had learned , it smoothed right up .

 

[Dr Mike]

Thank you all.
I closed a deal on a loaded up Big Horn 3500(2024).
Dealer called today and agreed to my offer from 3 days ago.many of these trucks were not selling and therefore “re-invoiced” by RAM. Sticker on truck said 91k, they emailed me one at 83k, I paid 70.5k.
Now I have to wade through the pdf owner’s manual.thanks again!

 

[Topzide]

@Dr Mike, Congratulations on the new truck! I think that was a wise choice and sure sounds like it was a great deal! As soon as you can, post a picture of your truck. Enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Timd32]

Good luck with the new truck, reasonable price for sure, they did OK with that one. There are some decent numbers in these rigs regardless that I've never met a dealer that made a dollar off any vehicle I've bought off them.