I saw a deal on TV some outfit makes a kit, including all electronics, to fit a Allison transmission to any Ford or Dodge.

Yes there have been adapter kits and stand alone TCM available for a while. Expensive endeavor though. Especially considering virtually every Dmax iteration is comparable or better than the other 2 except in small circles, like long haul hot shot drivers. Cummins gets the nod for engine life there.....theoretically.

AISIN Medium Duty trans in my truck already and it's a more capable trans than the current Allison the the pickups.Allison behind a Cummins is nothing new as prior to 17 that was an option on the F650 and 750's. But that was a more HD trans than what's in the current GM pickups.

I haven’t seen transmission failures as being any significant problem. Not worth the money and effort as any kind of preventative measure. Maybe as a replacement for a failed one.

It's nothing new. Kits have been out there for years. Totally un-needed. And, a colossal waste of money. The HD trannies in the Dodges and Fords are just as good as the Allison, and better integrated into the vehicle electronics too.

In 2001, the allison was a big step up from the Ford and Dodge transmission options. However, when GM raised the bar IMHO it didn't take long for Dodge and Ford to come up with transmissions on par with the Allison. One can argue forever which is better, but again IMHO all three have had very capable and reliable transmissions for the last 5 maybe 10 years.And for earlier trucks, I suspect it is way less expensive to have the factory Dodge or Ford transmission rebuilt by someone who really knows the transmissions and builds it for towing than springing for an Allison conversion.

Good news for you Ford and Dodge guys | Good Sam Community

30 Replies

run100
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2018
If it's not broke, don't fix it.
mich800
Explorer
Feb 01, 2018
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Pop the hood if transmission dipstick is on right it's an "AISIN". A true Medium Duty transmission.

I believe Ford's is on the left in the MDT's.
john_bet
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2018
Grit dog wrote:
^ You mean Aisin.

Alli 1000s in pickups set the bar for first good autos, especially behind diesels.
Yes everyone has stepped up since then, but, just like the Dmax, the Alli 1000 is largely unchanged since, oh, almost 20 years ago. Only other Diesel engine or trans that can say that is the Cummins.
Besides, any claims about other transmissions being better are not untrue, but comparing to the bench mark.
5 speed torq shift was as strong and almost as nice. 6 speed torq shift is just as good. And never drove an Aisin, but I'd take the old Alli in our LB7 over a 68 RFE.
Did I say anything about a pickup?
john_bet
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2018
ol Bombero-JC wrote:
john&bet wrote:
Just today I drove a 2016 Cummins and Allison combo, also a 2018 Cummins and Allison combo. The 2018 even has exhaust breaking. Wow, did it ever work great.

Did you *really* know what trans was in the "combos' you drove?..:h

:R
I did not say they were a pickup. One was an IC school bus and the other a Thomas Built school bus. Just thought I would get some peoples attention that there are Cummins/Allison combs out there.
ctilsie242
Explorer II
Jan 31, 2018
I don't care who makes it, as long as it doesn't leave me stranded.
ktmrfs
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2018
one can argue forever which is the "better" transmission, but IMHO ALL of them are now more than adequate for the use any of us put them to in 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. So, IMHO it's moot point to argue. Just be thankful for good transmissions.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2018
Pop the hood if transmission dipstick is on right it's an "AISIN". A true Medium Duty transmission.
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Jan 30, 2018
john&bet wrote:
Just today I drove a 2016 Cummins and Allison combo, also a 2018 Cummins and Allison combo. The 2018 even has exhaust breaking. Wow, did it ever work great.

Did you *really* know what trans was in the "combos' you drove?..:h

:R
Grit_dog
Navigator III
Jan 30, 2018
^ You mean Aisin.

Alli 1000s in pickups set the bar for first good autos, especially behind diesels.
Yes everyone has stepped up since then, but, just like the Dmax, the Alli 1000 is largely unchanged since, oh, almost 20 years ago. Only other Diesel engine or trans that can say that is the Cummins.
Besides, any claims about other transmissions being better are not untrue, but comparing to the bench mark.
5 speed torq shift was as strong and almost as nice. 6 speed torq shift is just as good. And never drove an Aisin, but I'd take the old Alli in our LB7 over a 68 RFE.
john_bet
Explorer II
Jan 30, 2018
Just today I drove a 2016 Cummins and Allison combo, also a 2018 Cummins and Allison combo. The 2018 even has exhaust breaking. Wow, did it ever work great.