AISIN or 68RFE on new Ram 3500

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!

Also, the Aisin is the only automatic from RAM to have PTO. So if you need PTO and an automatic, you need an Aisin equipped RAM..

I have owned both. Towed 28-29K combined with 2011 68RFE traded for 15 with 65K it performed flawlessly. The negative was getting the load rolling on much of a grade. Some of that was to do with the wrong gears.

My Son has a 3500 SRW with Aisin I towed his 14K dump trailer loaded to 18K and combined load about 27K. His truck is 3.42 also, it took off on a grade with no effort compared to my 11. Difference??? the lower first two gears on the Aisin.

My 15 Dually has the Aisin I am 33K combined. If starting on a grade I just push the pedal and go with NO axle wrap like I had with the 11.

If towing in the upper ratings of a 3500 SRW or DRW the Aisin is for sure the way to go!

jmtandem wrote:

What makes the AISIN six-speed automatic transmission worth $2600 more than the 68RFE?

It is a medium duty truck transmission. It also is the only transmission in the higher torque (865+foot pounds) Cummins Rams.

900 ft pounds for 2016. Chris

What makes the AISIN six-speed automatic transmission worth $2600 more than the 68RFE?

It is a medium duty truck transmission. It also is the only transmission in the higher torque (865+foot pounds) Cummins Rams.

More power and the first two ratios are lower. Whether it's worth it depends on how much you're towing I guess. They're both good transmissions but the Aisin is heavier duty. Aside from cost, the biggest negative to the Aisin is that it requires more frequent service. But fluid changes aren't that big of a deal. My truck has the 68 and I'm happy with it, but I'm sure if be happy with the Aisin too.