Looking at new trucks - seems hard to find the Aisin in stock. Are the benefits worth the premium price? I tow in the Rockies (Idaho/Wyoming/Montana) so I suspect the Aisin may be worth it if the integration between the transmission/engine/exhaust brake/cruise control is ironed out. But, if the 68RFE is adequate, I can take my pick off the lot and negotiate a better price at the end of December.Appreciate any thoughts or advice by current/former owners - thanks.

The 68RFE is a very capable transmission that has enjoyed a much better than average reliability rate. I would not hesitate to buy a vehicle with one. The best part is the integration between the exhaust brake, service (foot) brake (amount of brake pedal pressure), and the attitude of the vehicle (going down steep grade) is remarkable.

The biggest difference is that the trucks with the 68RFE come with the 370hp/800 lbs-ft version of the 6.7L Cummins, and the trucks with the Aisin get 385hp/865 lbs-ft. The gear ratios are different between the two transmissions as well, and the Aisin gets a PTO output.There is a thread on one of the Cummins forums I saw where a transmission shop/rebuilder has pictures of both torn down, and the internals of the Aisin are beefier. I did a quick google search but couldn't find it. Maybe someone else here knows.

I have the Aisen. It is a very HD tranny. However, I believe the 68 is a VERY capable tranny. Unless you are towing a lot, up near the gross allowed, I am sure the 68 will do a good job for you.

I have the 68RFE on my truck, and tow through the Rockies (up to 17000 pounds) and have no complaints with it. About 38000 miles so far.

I've had both trannys, and as stated, the Aisin tranny with Cummins gives you more TQ and HP. The 68RFE is a more than capable tranny.I Had it in a 2010 and '12, towing my 5er loaded to 16,000# all through the mountains of NC, TN, VA and WV with zero issues. Either will work just fine. I ordered truck in my Sig with the Aisin more out of curiosity than anything else. The higher HP and TQ and the fact that it's a medium duty tranny strapped to a medium duty diesel made it my choice for my retirement truck. I have 25,000 miles on my truck and other than replacing the windshield washer motor, truck has been trouble free....bottom line, you can't go wrong with either.

RAM 3500 SRW - Aisin vs. 68RFE - Update | Good Sam Community

NC_Hauler
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
Cummins12V98 wrote:
I think I can speak of the 68RFE's durability. I tow the West Coast lot's of 6% grades. I have 3:42 gears and will admit they are the wrong ratio for my weight. The trans shifts nice and solid in all gears and downshifts well. I just weighed my TV 14K loaded, RV 15K on the axles for a combined load of 29K. With 55K on the clock the transmission has been flawless! Mostly tow in 5th basically the same RPM's at 60 as if it had 4"10's.

New truck will have 4:10's rear bags and Aisin trans. If the Aisin were not available I would be fine with the 68RFE again.

Just do it:B
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
ScottG wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
If I were looking at a 3500 it would have to be the aisin. Chrysler is slowly outsourcing it's tranny's for a reason.

The initial reason for the Aisin was for it's PTO capability.

Don't believe that was initial reason for the Aisin being put into the cab over trucks. The Aisin was already being offered in the C&C trucks. Ram came out with new frame, all new suspension and offered higher HP and TQ with the Aisin to try to compete with the medium duty Allison tranny. Having owned 3 D/A equipped trucks, the Aisin is as good as the Allison, and again, BOTH are medium duty trannys...the offering of the PTO.with the Aisin is just a great addition to an already very good tranny.
wilber1
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
FishOnOne wrote:
Chrysler is slowly outsourcing it's tranny's for a reason.

Wonder why they spent over 800 million to update plants in Kokomo and Tipton to build their 8 & 9 speed transmissions.
j3ff9ack
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
OP here - thanks for the comments so far. If I keep my current 5er either option is fine, but if making the investment in a new truck might as well consider both. It will likely come down to the overall options (why sunroofs are popular in these trucks, I have no idea, but I digress...) and price.

I am not in a hurry so will also try to leverage end of year dealer sales goals in December.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thanks for taking some time to share your thoughts.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Nov 27, 2014
I think I can speak of the 68RFE's durability. I tow the West Coast lot's of 6% grades. I have 3:42 gears and will admit they are the wrong ratio for my weight. The trans shifts nice and solid in all gears and downshifts well. I just weighed my TV 14K loaded, RV 15K on the axles for a combined load of 29K. With 55K on the clock the transmission has been flawless! Mostly tow in 5th basically the same RPM's at 60 as if it had 4"10's.

New truck will have 4:10's rear bags and Aisin trans. If the Aisin were not available I would be fine with the 68RFE again.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Nov 27, 2014
FishOnOne wrote:
If I were looking at a 3500 it would have to be the aisin. Chrysler is slowly outsourcing it's tranny's for a reason.

Really?????

What is your source on that one?
ScottG
Nomad
Nov 27, 2014
FishOnOne wrote:
If I were looking at a 3500 it would have to be the aisin. Chrysler is slowly outsourcing it's tranny's for a reason.

The initial reason for the Aisin was for it's PTO capability.
Jaxom
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
FishOnOne wrote:
Chrysler is slowly outsourcing it's tranny's for a reason.

And yet we can't haul them from Kokomo fast enough?!?!

I have 40,000 + on mine. Hauling at or over max a lot. No issues on my 68.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Nov 27, 2014
If I were looking at a 3500 it would have to be the aisin. Chrysler is slowly outsourcing it's tranny's for a reason.
goducks10
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
Better gearing in the Aisin. 1st two gears will get the load moving easier. The rest are pretty similar. More power and tougher build makes the Aisin the choice for heavy loads.