68RFE vs Aisin: Which Transmission Is Right For You?

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Posted by Matt Gesser on 6/29/2023 to News

When it comes to heavy-duty pickup trucks, the transmission system is a crucial factor in determining its overall performance. Two popular transmission systems in the market are the 68RFE transmission and Aisin AS69RC transmission. While both are excellent options, they have distinct differences in terms of design, capabilities, and performance.

We will compare and contrast the 68RFE and Aisin AS69RC transmissions, covering everything from their technical specifications, pros and cons, and application in the real world. If you have questions or want to get your 68RFE or Aisin AS69RC transmission serviced or a build started, contact Tier One today or call 602-399-5484!

Which Vehicles Use the 68RFE and Which Use the Aisin Transmission?

The 68RFE transmission is primarily used in heavy-duty pickup trucks manufactured by Dodge/Ram. Specifically, it was introduced in the 2007.5 model year and is currently found in Ram 2500 and 3500 models. The 68RFE has been designed and engineered to handle the power and torque output of the Cummins turbo-diesel engine that is offered in these trucks.

On the other hand, the Aisin AS69RC transmission is currently only available in Ram 3500 models equipped with the high-output version of the Cummins turbo-diesel engine. It was first introduced in the 2013 model year as an optional upgrade over the standard 68RFE transmission.

It's important to note that not all Ram 3500 models come equipped with the Aisin transmission. If maximum towing and hauling capabilities are a priority, truck owners should look for models that are specifically equipped with the Aisin transmission. Additionally, other truck manufacturers such as Ford and General Motors offer their own heavy-duty transmissions that are designed to compete with the 68RFE and Aisin transmissions.

Technical Specifications

The 68RFE is a six-speed automatic transmission system designed and manufactured by Chrysler specifically for their heavy-duty pickup trucks. It was introduced in 2007 and has since become a popular choice among truck owners. The 68RFE can handle up to 750 lb-ft of torque and has a maximum GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 18,000 pounds.

The 68RFE's torque converter features a lock-up clutch and provides improved fuel efficiency and smoother shifting. It also has a low first-gear ratio, which allows for more towing power at low speeds.

In terms of gear ratios, the 68RFE has a 3.23:1 first gear ratio, a 1.83:1 second gear ratio, a 1.41:1 third gear ratio, a 1.00:1 fourth gear ratio, a 0.82:1 fifth gear ratio, and a 0.63:1 sixth gear ratio. The final drive ratio is 3.42:1.

On the other hand, the Aisin AS69RC is a six-speed automatic transmission system developed by Aisin Seiki Company in Japan. It was first introduced in 2007 and has since become a popular choice for heavy-duty pickup trucks. The Aisin has a maximum torque capacity of 1000 lb-ft and is capable of handling GVWRs of up to 33,000 pounds.

The Aisin's torque converter features a multi-disc lock-up clutch that provides improved fuel efficiency and smoother shifting. It also has a unique design that minimizes heat buildup, which can lead to improved reliability and durability.

In terms of gear ratios, the Aisin has a 4.71:1 first gear ratio, a 3.14:1 second gear ratio, a 2.10:1 third gear ratio, a 1.67:1 fourth gear ratio, a 1.29:1 fifth gear ratio, a 1.00:1 sixth gear ratio, a 0.75:1 seventh gear ratio, and a 0.63:1 eighth gear ratio. The final drive ratio is 3.73:1.

Both the 68RFE and Aisin transmissions are electronically controlled and have a range of features designed to improve performance and efficiency. The 68RFE, for example, has a tow/haul mode that adjusts the shift points to provide more power when towing heavy loads. The Aisin, on the other hand, has a mode selector that allows the driver to choose between Normal, Tow/Haul, Snow, and Custom modes.

Pros and Cons

Each transmission system has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at them.

68RFE:

Pros:

High reliability and durability
Smooth shifting
Proven track record of performance
Lower cost compared to the Aisin

Cons:

Lower maximum torque capacity compared to the Aisin
Limited to six-speeds
Less efficient compared to the Aisin

Aisin:

Pros:

High maximum torque capacity
Eight-speeds for better gear ratio selection
Higher efficiency compared to the 68RFE
Excellent performance in both on and off-road conditions

Cons:

Higher cost compared to the 68RFE
Relatively new to the market
Limited application in some heavy-duty pickup trucks

Real-World Application

Now that we've explored the technical specifications and pros and cons of the 68RFE and Aisin transmissions, it's time to take a closer look at their real-world applications. After all, the true test of any transmission is how well it performs in the hands of truck owners and drivers. In this section, we'll examine the strengths and weaknesses of each transmission and how they can be applied to different towing and hauling scenarios.

For truck owners who prioritize reliability and affordability, the 68RFE transmission is a strong choice. Its low first-gear ratio and lock-up clutch provide improved low-end power and fuel efficiency for towing and hauling needs.
The 68RFE's tow/haul mode is also a useful feature for carrying heavy loads, although it may not be suitable for extremely heavy loads.
If maximum towing and hauling capabilities are a priority, the Aisin transmission is a better choice due to its higher torque capacity and greater number of gear ratios.
The Aisin's multi-disc lock-up clutch and unique design also provide improved fuel efficiency and durability for heavy-duty applications.
Keep in mind that the Aisin transmission is more expensive than the 68RFE, which may not be feasible for some truck owners.
The Aisin's higher first-gear ratio may also not provide enough low-end power for some drivers, so it's important to consider the specific demands of your real-world application.
Both the 68RFE and Aisin transmissions offer smooth and consistent shifting, although the Aisin may be slightly more refined in its shifting.

Tier One Transmissions

Here at Tier One Transmissions we offer a wide selection of high-quality transmission builds from our HD rebuilds all the way up to fully upgraded competitive performance transmissions.