AISIN or 68RFE on new Ram 3500

alboy wrote:
I really believe you could own any one of the newer big 3 as in last 2/3 years and be thrilled with the towing experience.Not sure i would want to own any of them out of any Warranty!!

In about 600 miles my truck will be without warranty and I'm not the least concerned until the time comes to replace the DPF and that's a hit or miss proposition.

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
I think Ford still uses manual hubs and manual shift transfer case on the XL trim level trucks. They have been offering vacuum hubs on higher trim models since the early 90's, as well as electric solenoid shifting of the transfer case. Alot of guys ditch the vacuum hubs when they fail and replace with manuals.

My truck has the vacuum actuated hubs with a manual override. I never had a problem so they stay in auto mode.

I really believe you could own any one of the newer big 3 as in last 2/3 years and be thrilled with the towing experience.Not sure i would want to own any of them out of any Warranty!!

tjohnsen wrote:
When I bought my 2015 3500 getting anything besides the Aisin was not an option. I wanted the high output engine and 3.73 gears. I wanted a medium duty transmission that I knew should last the life of the truck, which at these prices today will be a long time for me. It was a small (relative to the cost of the truck) price to pay for peace of mind and the features that I wanted. I don't have experience with the other transmission but I tow a lot on grades with heavy loads and it tows (and slows with the EB) wonderfully with the Aisin, HO motor, and 3.73's. I wouldn't change a thing!

Yeah, what he said! ^^^^^ I was after the HO Cummins and the Aisin with 3.73s too. We tow a fairly heavy fifth wheel and our RAM pulls it effortlessly! I can't say enough about how great the EB works either! Love it! After owning the truck for 18 months I'm still "thrilled" to drive it. :B

Dan

I think Ford still uses manual hubs and manual shift transfer case on the XL trim level trucks. They have been offering vacuum hubs on higher trim models since the early 90's, as well as electric solenoid shifting of the transfer case. Alot of guys ditch the vacuum hubs when they fail and replace with manuals.

Dang, got off topic again, lol!
Aisin if towing real heavy a lot, or simply for peace of mind and being able to brag to the Allison boys.
68 if you want to do any trans tuning or upgrades to the trans.

Although, on Fords, it may be an easy workaround to disable the actuator and then just use the hubs. Idk if that would mess with some internal electronics though.

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
I would not want any 4x4 without manual locking hubs on the front axle. It's a shame most of these manufacturers have abandoned front hubs (except Ford, but only on some of their trucks).

I put manual hubs on my big International truck, which came originally with full time drive flanges. Made a little difference in fuel mileage and alot less wear and tear on the front end.

Not sure if someone's come up with a work around for all the big 3 yet, but I did read on the Rams, since they added back in a front CAD, center axle disconnect, there's an aftermarket kit that will keep the CAD unlocked when shifting into 4wd, for the 2lo effect.

Agree, on the G56, reverse is geared too high, even for normal daily maneuvers.
My clutch doesn't like being slipped, it's perty much on or off and just backing out of a parking spot would be nice to creep at idle rather than that 5 mph launch in reverse.

And Fords locking hubs for the last 10? Years or so are not like old school hubs. Well the hub/lockers are the same, but the front axle is still engaged via a elect or vacuum actuator even if the hubs are in free spin mode. It's a belt and suspenders if the actuator goes out, or a marketing scheme to be the only mfg with locking front hubs unfortunately.
That said, if you keep the hubs locked, the front wheels are locked to the transfer case in 2wd. You actually get a mild case of "4wd front wheel hop" on dry pavement even in 2wd with locked hubs.

06Fargo wrote:
What I can't figure out is why pickup twuck engineers install reverse gears good for 40mph...(see G56 manual in Dodge and Fargo twucks)

With all the programming available they could enable 2 wheel drive low range in the transfer case for precision reverse work...

Agreed. Reverse gear should always be at least as low as the lowest forward gear in the transmission. Unfortunately, some tranny engineers lately didn't get that message.

What I can't figure out is why pickup twuck engineers install reverse gears good for 40mph...(see G56 manual in Dodge and Fargo twucks)

With all the programming available they could enable 2 wheel drive low range in the transfer case for precision reverse work...