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RVBlade's avatar
RVBlade
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014

Dodge Ram Transmission Questions

I've finally convinced DW that it would be a good idea to look into getting a new truck. We're trying to do more camping, and although our 6.0 dually has been a pretty good truck for us, I don't like going on a trip and waiting for the other shoe to drop. That being said, we've both fallen in love with the looks and interior of the new Dodge 3500.

I have a couple of questions about the transmission and gears in the new Dodges. Is it worth the money to upgrade to the Aisin transmission versus the other 6-speed. Also, should I be looking at the standard 3.42 gears, or should I upgrade to the 3.73s or 4.10s. My gut says the 3.73s are the way to go, but I'm not sure.

I'm looking for the best combination of pulling power and fuel economy. I pull a 15K 5er when towing, mostly flat land and small hills, but we like to take a couple trips a year to Stone Mountain or the Smokies in Tennessee. When not towing, the truck will sit mostly. It'll be my errand vehicle, but I've got a work car that I drive while working.

Also, any MPG info from those that have a newer DEF model Dodge would be appreciated.

Thanks for any and all responses!
Tow Vehicles

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  • RamTC's avatar
    RamTC
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2014
    The AISIN seemed like a good choice for me, ordered it along with the 3.73s to get the heavier 300MM rear axle. I don't tow, but wanted the most capabilty available to haul my heavy truck camper in the years ahead. Also, I never heard anyone complain that they should have bought the Chysler 68xx transmission instead.
  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2014
    ib516 wrote:
    If you buy a single rear wheel, your only choice is 3.42.

    If you get a 3500 dual rear wheel, you can get 3.42, 3.73, or 4.10. The GCWR and max tow rating increases as you move from the numerically lower axle ratio (3.42) to the higher ones (4.10).

    Also, if you choose the 3500, you can get three versions of the 6.7L Cummins:
    350hp/660tq with the 6 speed manual
    370hp/800tq with the RAM 68RFE automatic
    385hp/850tq with the AS69RC Aisin automatic

    Plenty of options, and the tow rating varies from 17,xxx to 30,xxx depending on cab, engine version, and axle ratio.




    You have to decide what you want.



    Great answer, I'll take C with 3.73's in Western Brown please :W
    They also have a nice air ride rear suspension system so throw that in also.
  • parkersdad's avatar
    parkersdad
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2014
    My new Ram is a 2500 but the 3.43 feels like enough to me. We do have a larger camper on the way so we will see with that but with my last one I could out run cars with 6,000 pounds behind me.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Mar 08, 2014
    Here are some 2014 Dually 4:10 numbers. Based on these and the fact that we would never need to tow a 29K trailer, I would get the 3:73 myself.

    And yes the Aisin tranny is wroth the extra bucks.

    Chris

    John wrote:
    Here's what I noted on our drive today...

    60 mph = 1700 rpm
    65 mph = 1850 rpm
    70 mph = 2000 rpm
    75 mph = 2100 rpm
  • ib516's avatar
    ib516
    Explorer II
    Mar 08, 2014
    If you buy a single rear wheel, your only choice is 3.42.

    If you get a 3500 dual rear wheel, you can get 3.42, 3.73, or 4.10. The GCWR and max tow rating increases as you move from the numerically lower axle ratio (3.42) to the higher ones (4.10).

    Also, if you choose the 3500, you can get three versions of the 6.7L Cummins:
    350hp/660tq with the 6 speed manual
    370hp/800tq with the RAM 68RFE automatic
    385hp/850tq with the AS69RC Aisin automatic

    Plenty of options, and the tow rating varies from 17,xxx to 30,xxx depending on cab, engine version, and axle ratio.

    You have to decide what you want.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 08, 2014
    Joe in Texas wrote:
    since its our only vehicle -
    a dually is out of the question.

    Please give me the numbers for a RAM 3500 SRW......
    As soon as we get home the end of March we are going truck buying.

    THANKS

    My 2005 RAM 2500 SRW diesel had to have a new tranny at 90K -
    it has 125K now and just doesn't have the pull to haul my Montana....


    Instead of tag teaming onto another thread already running, you might consider deleting this nonsense question and posting a complete question as a new topic.
  • Joe_in_Texas's avatar
    Joe_in_Texas
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2014
    since its our only vehicle -
    a dually is out of the question.

    Please give me the numbers for a RAM 3500 SRW......
    As soon as we get home the end of March we are going truck buying.

    THANKS

    My 2005 RAM 2500 SRW diesel had to have a new tranny at 90K -
    it has 125K now and just doesn't have the pull to haul my Montana....
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 08, 2014
    Either trans will serve you fine but if you want to get the 850 lbs torque monster then you have to get the Aisin.
    The gearing question is more a matter of personal needs. If you get the 3:42 it will tow great but stay in 5th (first OD) much of the time your towing. It will get into 6th (second OD) running empty. I kinda like the idea of this gearing because it will make for a more relaxed and fuel efficient ride when not towing. And at 15K it will be no challenge for that gearing.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 08, 2014
    The Asian transmission is a great product and opting for that should get you a bit in HP/Torque. But our 68RFE automatic has been fantastic since 2007. There is a bit of a different in gear ratios. But I doubt you would be disappointed with either choice. The 3.73 should be sufficient for your needs, but mine has the 4.10 rear end and I dearly love it for towing. I can run with cruise control on all day even in the mountains and it is such a joy. Towing I usually get 10.5-11.5 and non towing at 70MPH I get 17. If I slow down I have seen 18. All hand calculated numbers.

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