Is the Aisin transmission worth it?

Have you checked in Kellogg. I was looking at em about a year ago and they had plenty of DRW with the Aisin. Haven't heard anything bad bout them, well maybe the cost :W

Well that depends on who you ask and which transmission is in their truck. :B

There's a teardown over at cumminsforum so you might check that out and draw your own conclusions. It isn't worth it for the extra power cause the standard CTD has plent of that already, but if you tow heavy a lot the Aisin may hold up better and it does have lower 1st and 2nd gears. But the consensus seems to be that the 68RFE is a pretty solid unit as well, at least at stock output. I've been happy with mine so far although I've barely had a chance to use it yet.

I think both transmissions will handle your load, but the Aisin will last longer before needing repair or rebuild. If you turn over vehicles while still covered under warranty, this will not be a concern. The down side to the Aisin is initial cost, more frequent maintenance and heavier transmission weight.

If you don't like what is currently in dealer inventory, you can always order what you want and get only the options you feel are worth the price verses what someone else spec's out in a build. Since I keep vehicles over ten years, I prefer to own one that is suited for my use and do not look at resale when choosing options.

I am on my second one, IMO if you two heavy they are worth it. I especially like the low first and second gear getting a load moving.
The Aisin is a medium duty transmission, and a beefed up version of the one they have had in their Cab and Chass trucks for the last 7-8 years. From what I hear, the deficiencies in that model were addressed pretty good by Aisin.

Your 2012 is rated for 800ftlbs of tq. The manual is derated to 610lbs. JMO but if you're not towing the moon then the 68RFE id fine. Zero issues with mine.
All 2012's came with the HO 6.7 with 350hp and 800tq.

45Ricochet wrote:
Have you checked in Kellogg. I was looking at em about a year ago and they had plenty of DRW with the Aisin. Haven't heard anything bad bout them, well maybe the cost :W

I haven't, I try to stay more local with my money if possible. My salesman found me one, a white Laramie limited with the Aisin, two rear cameras, hitch prep, 3.73's, etc and took $11,000 off the price before we even start talking.

goducks10 wrote:
Your 2012 is rated for 800ftlbs of tq. The manual is derated to 610lbs. JMO but if you're not towing the moon then the 68RFE id fine. Zero issues with mine.
All 2012's came with the HO 6.7 with 350hp and 800tq.

Ah, that sounds better. I had thought so, then I must have misread something today and got the 610 number.

catfishmontana wrote:

45Ricochet wrote:
Have you checked in Kellogg. I was looking at em about a year ago and they had plenty of DRW with the Aisin. Haven't heard anything bad bout them, well maybe the cost :W

I haven't, I try to stay more local with my money if possible. My salesman found me one, a white Laramie limited with the Aisin, two rear cameras, hitch prep, 3.73's, etc and took $11,000 off the price before we even start talking.

You can always visit their web site and see what they have on Smith's lot. Your dealer will have it transferred.

45Ricochet wrote:

catfishmontana wrote:

45Ricochet wrote:
Have you checked in Kellogg. I was looking at em about a year ago and they had plenty of DRW with the Aisin. Haven't heard anything bad bout them, well maybe the cost :W

I haven't, I try to stay more local with my money if possible. My salesman found me one, a white Laramie limited with the Aisin, two rear cameras, hitch prep, 3.73's, etc and took $11,000 off the price before we even start talking.

You can always visit their web site and see what they have on Smith's lot. Your dealer will have it transferred.

I'll actually be driving through there later this month. Maybe I should just stop and take a gander.

I have a 2013 with the 68RFE. 46k trouble free miles and it pulls my 15k toy hauler just fine.