New Automatic for 2003 Ram?

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This may be old news for some readers, but it was "new" news for me. Last week, when I was surfing thru the Freightliner Website, I noticed an old (3-2-99) news release that says "Freightliner Unveils Medium-Duty Automatic Transmission Option". It is the Aisin A581 and Freightliner plans to put it with the Cummins in their FL 60 and FL 70 medium duty trucks. Since Freightliner is a DC subsidiary, this maybe the transmission that will be offered in the 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty Ram trucks in 2003. .

The A581 is a five speed, with lock-up in 2nd and higher. Real low reverse (4. 179:1); 3. 463:1 in 1st and 5th is . 807 OD. Column shift location. Features a "Power Mode" and an "Economy Mode". The A581 is rated up to 280 HP and 605 lb. ft. torque, with GCWR up to 33,000 lbs. Features full electronic controls for optimal shifting. .

Has anyone else seen this Press Release?? This transmission sounds GOOD to me! (Even if it is made in Japan). .

 

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Yessir, I read the same thing you did. Also have heard that this IS the new trans that will be put in to the Ram soon. While I like the idea of "buying American", some of the Rams are built in Mexico, and this trans is what Toyota uses in some applications, so hey, if its offered, I may do it. Kinda exciting to think DC is finally moving in at least the right direction... ...

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Dave B.

 

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I, like you, would rather buy American any time that I can, but if US manufacturers will not provide the things that we need, I would really look at it wherever it comes from.

If Freightliner is using this transmission in their FL 50, 60 & 70's now, we will see how it is holding up before it gets put into the new Rams. It probably will not be available til the 2003 models anyway.

I saw another article where DC is contemplating a new differential to replace the Dana 60, 70, 80. American Gear, I believe it was. . (not absolutely sure about the name)


Rob

94' 2500SLT, 3. 54, Auto (still original), TST 230 Fuel Plate, PacBrake, Autolock, EGT Gage, Dee Zee Chrome full length running Boards, Vent Shades. Pull 35' HitchHiker 5th whl (13,850+ lbs) 118,770 miles as of 12-22-99

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I heard from my boss who used to work for DANA, that they did not get the contract for the next generation rams. This AMERICAN AXLE is probably another reason my next truck will probably not be a Dodge. I am sad to say this, but I have also been to DC's proving grounds and have heard how serious their engineers take the Diesel programs. They think it is a joke. These people drive BMW's to work and then laugh when it takes a diesel dually 20 seconds to get o-60. They joke and say "It's fast enough, these guys don't drag race these things". Maybe not, but if a truck is rated to tow 20,000#, then the %&$#@ thing should be able to move out with the traffic when the light turns green. Who are they kidding with the big 3-4 gap in the transmission?? Who designs these things, bean counters, philosophy majors and computer sciense majors. Hope I haven't offended anyone. These folks probably have never driven a big truck, let alone towed a gooseneck trailer with 10,000# on it.

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1989 D 250 Ice blue met. 5 spd 3. 54 Banks stage III powerpack straight exhaust, still looking for more power
1999 3500 4x4 Chassis cab Emerald green ISB 5 spd 4. 10 K&N Filter straight exhaust 9 ft flatbed definitely in need of MORE POWER!!

 

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Point well taken Don, I have really enjoyed these last two Dodges with the Cummins engine but I can sure go back to driving what i used to drive. Part of the bragging rights was the Cummins motor but the other part was bragging about the Dana axles. My old 454 may not have went 8 zillion miles between over hauls but it would move anything under the sun. I guess it just a wait and see thing, when DC finally changes enough parts to piss me off I'll be down the road to the next dealer. Besides if I want 12 second quarter mile times a set of headers and a nitros kit and away we go! Holiday Regards Pete

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99'3500,quad cab,4X4,a/t
3:54,all the right packages!