New 3500 DRW. Aisin or 68?

[dward]

I located 2 similar trucks , 1 had the Aisin the other the 68 fairly close to home and planned on going to drive both. Of course, the Aisin sold.
But, at work we have 2 “plug buggies” dept trucks. Both are 3500 SRW CC 4x4 SB, 2020 with Aisin and 2017 with 68RFE. I drove them both around the airport up to about 40 mph and honestly couldn’t really tell any difference. I’ve owned 2 Aisin trucks in the past.
So, with the low inventory and getting what I think is a “decent” deal on the truck I wanted, I plan to pick it up tomorrow. 21 DRW 4x4 68RFE with 3:73.
Thanks for the good posts.

 

[Rob S]

Sounds like a great truck, congratulations!

 

[Tuesdak]

I would find and drive a '21 Aisin. Comparing to other years with programming changes isn't a fair test. The 'get with it from a stop' change I mentioned above with the '20 vs. my 2018 is night and day.

You really can't go wrong with either choice. I would get a MOPAR warranty that covers rentals on it esp. since loaners (and even rentals) are scarce. FCA doesn't cover rentals. (Corporate name of the month whatever it is now.) People are renting U-Hauls due to lack of rental vehicles now. Plenty of info on how to price it and tell the finance guy to take it or leave it as you buy the MOPAR warranty online.

The low 1st gear IMO is part of the problem with the clunky shifting. Launch shudder with a low first gear is also a factor although I have had that even with 4.10's. It takes a lot of coordination to change that much RPM and a fear factor of being on ice or wet roads may have engineers trying to avoid the 2-1 shift.

 

[JR]

Post up some pics when/if you get it!

I would find and drive a '21 Aisin. Comparing to other years with programming changes isn't a fair test.

Was there any changes with the Aisin between 20 and 21?

I know there were some changes with the 68rfe in 19 so it may drive a little different than the 17 he test drove. Heavier solenoid controls for the torque-converter clutch to firm up the shifts and some programming for shift control.

 

[Tuesdak]

As they changed back to the CP3 in '21 the coordination with the engine and trans could be affected during a shift. Maybe they addressed the shifting I mentioned. But the 2020's are night and day better on throttle response (than my 18): so the 2017's the OP drove are not a good comparison to a new truck at all.

 

[JR]

so the 2017's the OP drove are not a good comparison to a new truck at all.

For clarification, he drove a 20 Aisin and a 17 68rfe. Sorry if I am beating a dead horse

 

[AH64ID]

I’ve heard Aisin’s are so hard to find because they are much more desirable and sell faster. 68’s hang on the lot because if someone is buying a 1 ton why would they want the lowest powered diesel on the market. I honestly don’t understand why they even offer the 68 on the 3500.

Really Ram needs to get with the program and have one engine and one transmission, all with the HO rating.

 

[Wiredawg]

I replaced my 02 3500 for an 09 4500 for bigger brakes, Cummins 6.7L, and Aisin. Nothing wrong or against 68RFEs, just the additional cost of the Aisin and Cummins, no higher engine charge on a 4500.

My 5500 is a beast and flat bed great for loading and securing cargo, under bed storage, and more rugged bed.

EDIT: I took to long to post... OP decided already... Congrats on the new truck!

Anyhoo, go Aisin, Go Cowboys! oops. Football isn't political, is it?

Cheers, Ron

 

[Tuesdak]

I’ve heard Aisin’s are so hard to find because they are much more desirable and sell faster. 68’s hang on the lot because if someone is buying a 1 ton why would they want the lowest powered diesel on the market. I honestly don’t understand why they even offer the 68 on the 3500.

Really Ram needs to get with the program and have one engine and one transmission, all with the HO rating.

Considering they likely "pay through the nose" to the outside vendors for both the Aisin and the Cummins Diesel vs. "in house" there is a profit incentive to offer the in house transmissions. Esp. as the other OEM's offer branded, but, in house powertrains: Lets em win a bid for fleets or Government perhaps.

 

[dward]

Thanks for all the good feedback.
I agree the Aisin is the better trans for what it’s designed for, towing heavy regularly.
For my application, carrying a 5k lb camper driving around the country I think the 68 and 3:73 will be fine.

 

[JR]

Really Ram needs to get with the program and have one engine and one transmission, all with the HO rating.

Choices are a wonderful thing. We all griped when they took away our ability to choose gear ratios. I likely won't be buying a new truck anytime soon so it won't affect me either way but if/when the time comes again I hope they still have two engine/trans options for 3500.
Knowing what I know now and seeing several high hour 68's in my area I don't feel the Aisin is worth the money. Just like some want trucks with all the bells and whistles and some just want a truck they can hose out at the end of the day. That's my opinion, of course yours and others are different. Choices are a good thing.

 

[Cummins2014]

I’ve heard Aisin’s are so hard to find because they are much more desirable and sell faster. 68’s hang on the lot because if someone is buying a 1 ton why would they want the lowest powered diesel on the market. I honestly don’t understand why they even offer the 68 on the 3500.

Really Ram needs to get with the program and have one engine and one transmission, all with the HO rating.

I wouldn't know the difference , having had this 2014 3500 with the 68RFE since new , but I can't imagine needing anything more then what I got ,and what I tow with it. Two different fifth wheels both were ,and are 15,500 GVWR . I wouldn't want to have the same truck in a 2500, only because of payload ,certainly not because of power . I need ,and want the 3500, but don't need more power .

My son has the same truck ,but a 2016. His is a work truck, gets used daily towing, and not an issue with the 68RFE . I won't argue the fact that just one engine and one transmission would probably make more sense. I do disagree with the idea the 68 is needed on the 3500, or the HO.

 

[Cummins2014]

Choices are a wonderful thing. We all griped when they took away our ability to choose gear ratios. I likely won't be buying a new truck anytime soon so it won't affect me either way but if/when the time comes again I hope they still have two engine/trans options for 3500.
Knowing what I know now and seeing several high hour 68's in my area I don't feel the Aisin is worth the money. Just like some want trucks with all the bells and whistles and some just want a truck they can hose out at the end of the day. That's my opinion, of course yours and others are different. Choices are a good thing.

I would be very doubtful if I was to buy a new Ram 3500 I would want the Aisin . After 7 years towing with the 68RFE ,and 3:42's I don't need or want anything more. If the deal was right, and the truck was sitting on the lot, and had the Aisin , sure , but I wouldn't order one now that I know the 68 does a great job for what I need .

 

[bcbender]

I will say that I towed at speed for hours on end in the 101 heat in MT / WY a few weeks ago and that AISIN never got hot, not one bit, The engine would climb up to 215ish on grades, but the trans stayed steady... Cant complain tho since I got a good deal right before the truck market went through the roof.

 

[Cummins2014]

I will say that I towed at speed for hours on end in the 101 heat in MT / WY a few weeks ago and that AISIN never got hot, not one bit, The engine would climb up to 215ish on grades, but the trans stayed steady... Cant complain tho since I got a good deal right before the truck market went through the roof.

I just towed our fifth wheel back from Montana last week, it was close to 100 degrees . My 68RFE did see some increase on the longer grades . I normally run about 172-74 empty , 178-180 towing in the heat . Did see 190 on one long grade ,cooled right back down going down the other side . Engine temperature normally is 192 never runs much less then 205 towing, and will get close to 220 on the long grades ,again cools quickly when back on flats or back downhill . Not sure if that's the norm ,but that what its always ran .

 

[gsbrockman]

Sounds like it’s working as designed, @Cummins2014

 

[bcbender]

yeah, the AISIN never gets above 165 on the gauge... I've seen 167 once on a long grade once or twice but as you said it cools right back down.. Overall very happy.

 

[AH64ID]

yeah, the AISIN never gets above 165 on the gauge... I've seen 167 once on a long grade once or twice but as you said it cools right back down.. Overall very happy.

Correct, as long as the torque converter is locked.. which is pretty much all the time above 25 mph.

They will heat up on long slow unlocked pulls, but nothing crazy. The cooler works awesome.

 

[Jim W]

I am one of the outlying individual from the group. If I was in the market for a new truck, I would not hesitate to buy a 3500 SRW or a DRW with the 68RFE trans in the truck. This is based on my experience with my current Dodge 2500 Mega Cab truck, which is a 2008, 6.7L Cummins with the 68RFE trans with 3:73 gears. I now have 140,000+ miles on the OD. With the only thing being done to the trans is that it is service every 40,000 miles with new oil and filters.

Another thing I am running a programmer which adds 60HP/120lb-ft torque to the rear axle as measured on a dyno. This has been on my truck for the last 120,000 miles, I do tow at this setting have been since the programmer was installed.

I would add a Mag-HyTec Deep dish oil pan with a temp probe in the pan. I have this on my current truck with the pan oil never getting over 195F when towing my 5er.