ram 68RFE transmission reliability

so in pricing new 1 ton trucks the cummins rams come with either a 68RFE or an aisin automatic, the former with the engine being rated at 865 ft lbs and the latter being rated at 900 ft lbs. so for sure chrysler thinks the aisin is beefier.

but what of reliability overall? it looks like 99% of the trucks get ordered with the chrysler trans and 1% get the aisin($2500 option), making it very hard to find one unless it is ordered. why you would buy a $50K+ truck and not opt for the best available transmission is beyond me, but people are stupid more often than not so it's not surprising.

so if i were to end up with a truck in the 99%(i'm just throwing numbers out there based on my searches), will it blow up within the 100k mile warranty or explode just out of it leaving me screwed? is it a big enough difference to hold out for an aisin truck? i'm planning on picking up a 34-36' gooseneck 2 car open trailer, so the truck could end up towing 12-14k on a semi-regular basis.

If it were me, I would go for the Aisin, especially with what you are doing with it. Not sure if it is a big enough difference, but the piece of mind may be worth it. From what I found, the Aisin is a medium duty transmission, so it should have a good lifespan to it.

You know how truck owners can be about foreign transmissions, so most probably go with the Chrysler one for no other reason.

Up until recently, they only offered the Aisin (as the previous, not quite as strong AS68RC version) in the chassis cabs (as it has PTO provisions) and the 68RFE in the pickups, so that probably explains the ordering split. Now they offer the choice of 68RFE or the updated Aisin AS69RC in the pickups.

Neither has a reputation as a bad trans, although the Aisin does have a slightly wider gear spread, which might be nice when pulling heavy. But then again, reverse isn't as low, so...

Internet says gearing is as follows (listed as 68RFE / Aisin AS69RC):

1: 3.23 / 3.75

2: 1.84 / 2.00

3: 1.41 / 1.34

4: 1.00 / 1.00

5: 0.82 / 0.77

6: 0.63 / 0.63

R: 4.44 / 3.43

I have the Dodge transmission and 260000 k on my truck. About 100000 of those have been pulling an 8000 kg trailer. The transmission has been flawless except for an annoying squeak shifting from 4-5. Sometimes it is an actual lurch/clunk. It has done it from 40000 km and I am way passed worrying about it although I would happily have it fixed if only someone could diagnose it. I am into diagnostic and partial teardown for around $1000.00 so far to no avail. The tranny looks like new still.

So take that for whatever it is worth.

I would get as little Chrysler in your new Chrysler as possible. If its one thing Chrysler knows well, its how to maintain the image that they make a junk auto trans.

I have nothing of real value to add.

TGMF wrote: I would get as little Chrysler in your new Chrysler as possible. If its one thing Chrysler knows well, its how to maintain the image that they make a junk auto trans. I have nothing of real value to add.

I beg to differ. I am not very brand conscious and I have had them all. But the 2008 ram I have now have been absolutely indestructible. Other than some minor switchgear quality issues I have not spent money on it. Never done the front end for example. With a cummins hanging off the front and dragging a very heavy trailer around I have never touched the driveline. It is a very well build truck.

In reply to bearmtnmartin:

They are better than they used to be, that much is sure. They must have moved those crappy engineers over to infotainment systems.....

My dad has a....1992 or so Dodge with a Cummins. He just rolled it over 450000 km and it finally got a new transmission. Pulled a gooseneck full of livestock for most of those miles. Maybe the ones that blow up are behind a tuner set on explode.

12-14k is a walk in the park. They're rated to tow twice that.

Doesnt the Aisin have a PTO? Or is that only the cab and chassis models?

I wouldn't worry about Chrysler transmissions. Most of the bad rep came from one particular model trans (in FWD cars / minivans). And the rest are from guys who never maintained their stuff. The 46RE in my Jeep is damn close to clicking over 202k, no rebuilds and still shifts perfectly. Just a shift kit at ~120k when I cammed the motor. And I can't say I've babied it (although it's been kept well cooled and maintained).