Bionic Man
Colorado
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Put me in the camp that RAM absolutely needs to change to an 8 or 10 speed. It will drive better. It will be better for marketing. And it would allow them to simplify to one transmission for both 2500 and 3500 trucks, and get them competitive power levels for those that buy a 2500.
An upgraded transmission would probably be enough to put me in the market to upgrade.
2012 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn DRW CC 4x4 Max Tow, Cummins HO, 60 gallon RDS aux fuel tank, Reese 18k Elite hitch
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 QC SB 4x4 Cummins HO NV5600 with Smarty JR, Jacobs EB (sold)
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Cummins12V98
on the road
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"To a point I agree. I've been very happy with the 6-sp in our Cummins. However, my comment is more about "sales and marketing" than raw performance."
I agree most people "THINK" they need more gears. Gas pots and the V8 Diesels may find usefulness in the 8-10 but i can tell you another two or 4 gears won't make a hill of beans difference with the CUMMINS.
Bionic, you don't have the AISIN with it's very low starting gears. It truly makes a difference over the 68RFE especially with the 3.42's. When my truck downshifts it's a measly 250 rpm's between gears.
The AISIN is what they call a "Bullet proof" trans, I will stick with that.
2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
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otrfun
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Bionic Man wrote:Put me in the camp that RAM absolutely needs to change to an 8 or 10 speed. It will drive better. It will be better for marketing. And it would allow them to simplify to one transmission for both 2500 and 3500 trucks, and get them competitive power levels for those that buy a 2500.
An upgraded transmission would probably be enough to put me in the market to upgrade. Good point.
Not sure what Ram gains by offering two different drivetrains. The base level 6-speed 68RFE/Cummins SO offers less torque/HP/gears than Ford & Chevy, but is priced roughly the same.
The 6-speed Aisin/Cummins HO option has an overall MSRP that's *higher* than Ford & Chevy, even though it's overall performance/capability is arguably less (less HP; equivalent torque to Ford; but no 10-speed tranny).
Also, by offering the Aisin (which has the same 6-speeds as the 68RFE), Ram is inferring the 68RFE (which makes up the vast majority of Ram's sales) is lacking in some way. Not a good marketing strategy IMO.
I think Ram would be much better served offering one drivetrain (like Ford & Chevy) that's competitive across the board. It would certainly reduce production costs and simplify marketing.
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Cummins12V98
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"Also, by offering the Aisin (which has the same 6-speeds as the 68RFE"
Technically true but the fact is the AISIN has lower starting gears and easily get's my 35k rolling on steep grades.
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ksss
Eastern Idaho
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The points made about offering to different transmissions are spot on I think. It doesnt make a lot of sense both economically and conveying the message the cheaper tranny isn't sufficient. The Ram may actually be a better truck with a ten speed. The change the ten made in the GM trucks is really pretty amazing. I know that is not a direct comparison to the Ram truck, but I am not sure why a Ram owner would be against having a ten speed especially if you have driven one. GM has done an amazing job dialing in that tranny, almost feels like a CVT it is so smooth.
2020 Chevy 3500 CC 4X4 DRW D/A
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FishOnOne
The Great State of Texas
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Ram doesn't need a 10 speed transmission until cummins12V98 buy's one and then the raves begin. You know the drill! ![[emoticon]](https://forums.goodsamclub.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
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Cummins12V98
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FishOnOne wrote:Ram doesn't need a 10 speed transmission until cummins12V98 buy's one and then the raves begin. You know the drill!
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larry barnhart
wenatchee. wa usa
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I never felt our 05 duramax needed a 6 speed. But if ya never drive one maybe it would be better. I never drive a newer truck than I have unless I am thinking of a trade. Happy is the best. chevman
chevman
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blt2ski
Kirkland, Wa
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larry barnhart wrote:I never felt our 05 duramax needed a 6 speed. But if ya never drive one maybe it would be better. I never drive a newer truck than I have unless I am thinking of a trade. Happy is the best. chevman
Larry,
I would have liked a 6th DIF in my 05, along with 410 gears. BUT with this said, I do mostly city driving, so having lower starting gears us better for me. Even 4.33 with a DOD put me at about the same final ratio iirc vs the 5 so 5sp.
Realty, the ally 2200?!? Has the same gears as asian dodge used. that's in reality, best setup from my driving style. Too bad we don't get multiple tranny, gear ratio and HP/Torque spec options like some mdt setups give you.
Marty
92 Navistar dump truck, 7.3L 7 sp, 4.33 gears with a Detroit no spin
2014 Chevy 1500 Dual cab 4x4
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FishOnOne
The Great State of Texas
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Or the other one "Buy one and you'll thank me later"
* This post was
edited 02/20/21 04:02pm by FishOnOne *
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