I am looking for a Ram tv and would like some opinions on the Aisin transmission option. I know this is going to stir up some discussion but basically I am asking is the option is worth the money? I see it as almost paying for a 68rfe rebuild up front and really don't know much about the Aisin or how much more durable is is over the 68rfe.Thanks for your comments.

Different gear ratios. Maybe not much but some different. Been used if the 4500/5500 trucks for several years with no major issues. It I were buying new it would probably be that one. The 68RFE is a really good transmission but......

The AS69RC (Aisin), used in the 2013 and up Ram 3500's, was a newer model Aisin than what came in the 4500 & 5500 trucks at that time....It's a medium duty transmission, which offers higher HP & TQ than a similar equipped Ram with the 68RFE or the G56 manual tranny....I've owned a 10 and a 12HO Ram 3500 DRW, CC/LB/4X4 with 68RFE, one in Laramie trim, other in Longhorn trim...I now have truck in my sig...This truck seems to move the load a bit faster and has better gear shifting, in my opinion, but I personally think it's worth the extra that one will pay for it....having owned both the 68RFE and now the Aisin, towing the same 5er over the same mountains, I think it's worth the extra money...but just my opinion from being able to compare both as daily drivers and towing my 16,300# 5er.

Gear ratio comparisongear.....Aisin.....68RFE1........3.75......3.232........2.00......1.843........1.34......1.414........1.00......1.005........0.77......0.826........0.63......0.63R........3.54......4.45As you can see, The Aisin has a lower first gear so it has better startability. Others like to say it has better spacing between the gears as well. It is roughly $3k mark-up for this transmission, but its biggest benefit is that it has PTO. So if you have designs for using the PTO provision, this is the only way to go aside from the G56 manual. Other than that, you get a modest bump in Torque and HP (370 --> 385 HP and 800 --> 865 lbft of torque). It is up to you to weigh this out.

jus2shy wrote:Gear ratio comparisongear.....Aisin.....68RFE1........3.75......3.232........2.00......1.843........1.34......1.414........1.00......1.005........0.77......0.826........0.63......0.63R........3.54......4.45As you can see, The Aisin has a lower first gear so it has better startability. Others like to say it has better spacing between the gears as well. It is roughly $3k mark-up for this transmission, but its biggest benefit is that it has PTO. So if you have designs for using the PTO provision, this is the only way to go aside from the G56 manual. Other than that, you get a modest bump in Torque and HP (370 --> 385 HP and 800 --> 865 lbft of torque). It is up to you to weigh this out.I have no use for a PTO...I do have use for a truck with a medium duty Diesel engine strapped to a medium duty transmission, as I will be retiring and towing either the 5er in my sig. or a much heavier 5er all over the United States, (Good Lord willing)...Again, having owned both and towed same 5er over the same terrain with both trannies, I like the Aisin..don't know or care about spacing of gears, but know how it act's towing in the mountains and it does great...worth the extra money to me, especially if it pay's off in the long run...heck, I'll take the extra 15HP and 65lbft of TQActually one is charged $600 for the 68RFE and $2995 for the Aisin, so it's actually a $2395 add one....well worth going from a regular to a medium duty tranny, but that's just me..

I can't tell a major difference between my '12 Ram with the 68RE and my '14 Ram with the Aisin. My experience with the two transmissions has been positive and would have a difficult time quantifying or describing any differences worthy of the cost. With that said, I haven't pushed either transmission to any significant limits.

Aisin transmission | Good Sam Community

steve-n-vicki
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
Where the transmission is made has nothing to do with who owns the company, it used to be AW transmission for Asin Warner,(borg warner)
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Mar 09, 2015
steve-n-vicki wrote:
Should the Asin be called a Toyota transmission? since Toyota owns 51.9 %

Transmission is made in USA.
steve-n-vicki
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
Should the Asin be called a Toyota transmission? since Toyota owns 51.9 %
huntram
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
After having the 48re for 10 years I was convinced that Dodge couldn't make a decent tranny. Having said that people seem to be really happy with their 68's! When I had my unfortunate accident last July and totaled my 04.5 CTD, I told the dealer to get me an Aisin with 373's, Laramie with leather and a dually. The rest would work itself out. This is a serious towing beast! It's what we should have had all along! Would a 68 have done the job? I'm sure it would have, but I feel so much better with a true medium duty trans mated up to those extra 50 ft.lbs!
brnzbk
Explorer
Mar 08, 2015
Thanks for the replies, after reading all of this I will probably pay the extra for the Aisin.
Bedlam
Moderator
Mar 08, 2015
If you're going to tow at the upper limits of your GCVWR, the Aisin is the best choice. Lesser loads may be fine with the lighter transmission and may be preferable if you haul a truck camper and are looking to maximize payload capacity.
45Ricochet
Explorer
Mar 08, 2015
All you have to do is a bit of math here to tell you the difference. What is it about 15 HP and 65 lb of TQ. Speaks volumes to me. The Aisin is stronger plus it has the PTO if you ever need one.
After owning a 48RE I wouldn't want the big brother 68RE over the Aisin under any circumstance.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Mar 08, 2015
Direct quote from Chryslers head West Coast warranty Guru Stan Gozzi "they don't break" when asked about the Aisin,

I have heard of two that had machining defects and leaked oil. Both cases the trans were completely replaced and customers back on the road in two days.

I have not towed with my 15 yet but can tell from driving it that the Aisin will shine. The 68RFE was flawless towing my 29K combined load for 65K miles.

I went Aisin this time so I could have the most towing capacity available.
ib516
Explorer II
Mar 08, 2015
I've seen pictures of them both torn down. The Aisin is heavier built inside. Whether that matters or not to you I don't know.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Mar 08, 2015
I'm Rick James wrote:
I can't tell a major difference between my '12 Ram with the 68RE and my '14 Ram with the Aisin. My experience with the two transmissions has been positive and would have a difficult time quantifying or describing any differences worthy of the cost. With that said, I haven't pushed either transmission to any significant limits.

I can...I had a 12, same as you with the HO 68RFE, and now the 13'...I tow the same 5er though the same mountains in WV, TN, NC, SC and VA and this truck pulls harder and gear changing seems to be smoother and stronger...I pushed both trannies, one special tow is up the New River Gorge on I81 from Sandstone Falls WV to Beckley intersect of I77, a very long mountain at 6% for about 5 miles, last 3 before topping is 7%...they used it in one of the Ford, Chevy, Ram towing contest....but again, I'm just speaking from experience and how fast truck towed, how it stayed in gear without having to hunt for gears, etc....

My experience with both tranny's was also positive...I think the 68RFE is a much maligned transmission. I think it's a very good transmission from my experience with it in my 10' and my 12'.

I do feel a difference, but heck, who knows, if most don't agree, guess it's my imagination and my attempt to justify the extra money....(went from being a dyed in the wool Chevy man for 35 yrs, to a Ram fan and get shot down by Ram owners:))