You are considering getting a Ram truck but are unsure which transmission will give the optimal performance. Well, you have certainly come to the right place. Almost all cars nowadays either use a 6 speed or 8 speed automatic transmission rather than 4 or 5 speed transmission.
At the same time, these two are considered the best transmissions due to superior design, performance, smooth shifting as well as efficiency. When discussing the Best RAM transmission, we only look at the best types of transmission.
So, what is the best Ram transmission?
The eight-speed automatic transmission is best for RAM. Specifically, For Ram 1500, 8HP95 is the best one, whereas for 2500 it’s 8HP75, and for 3500 it’s the 8AP powerline transmission.
To get to know why people reviewed these transmissions to be best, keep reading.
Diving Deep into Best RAM Transmissions
Ram trucks come with many different types of transmissions such as manual G56 transmission, automatic torque flite transmission, etc. Here we will look at Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 transmissions and find out which is the best one.
While talking about the best transmission for RAM, we will consider 6 and 8 speed transmission only. Why 6 or 8 Speed Transmissions instead of 4 or 5?
6 or 8 Speed Transmissions are considered the best transmissions due to superior design, performance, smooth shifting as well as efficiency. Almost all vehicles nowadays either use a 6 speed or 8 speed automatic transmission.
So, when discussing the Best RAM transmission, we only look at the best types of transmission.
Automatic or Manual Transmission, Which Is Better For Ram?
Since 2018, Ram trucks don’t come with manual transmissions anymore and the 2018 Ram 2500 is the last Ram truck you can buy with manual transmissions. However, older truck users might still be running on the manual. The automatic transmission is considered best for Ram trucks due to ease of handling, fuel efficiency, etc.
Because of this, we will focus on all automatic transmissions available for Ram trucks. This will include six-speed and eight-speed transmissions in Ram 1500, 2500, and Ram 3500.
Moreover, read this to know who has the best transmission.
Best Transmission For RAM 1500
Now we will look at several transmissions available for Ram 1500 trucks and compare them to find out which one performs the best. Here we will compare three eight-speed ZF torqueflite transmissions and one six-speed transmission.
| Model/ Spec | 8HP70 | 8HP75 | 8HP95 | 65RFE |
| Available speeds | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| Maximum Input Torque | 760 N.m (561 lb-ft) | 750 N⋅m (550 lb-ft) | 1,000 N⋅m (740 lb-ft) | 677 N.m (500 lb-ft) |
| Gear Ratios 1st, 2nd,3rd,4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, R | 4.71, 3.14, 2.10, 1.67, 1.29, 1, 0.84, 0.67, 3.30 | 5, 3.2, 2.14, 1.72, 1.31, 1, 0.82, 0.64, 3.45 | 4.71, 3.14, 2.10, 1.67, 1.29, 1, 0.84, 0.67, 3.30 | 3, 1.67, 1.50, 1, 0.75, 0.67, 3 |
| Case Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Service Interval | 70-80 K miles | 70-80 K miles | 70-80 K miles | 60-120 K miles |
| Weight | 207 lbs | 191 lbs | 200 lbs | 150-200 lbs |
| Transmission Fluid | MOPAR ATF | ZF Lifeguard 8 | MOPAR ATF | Mopar ATF +4 |
There are three ZF tourqueflite transmissions here; 8HP70, 8HP75 and 8HP95. These three are eight-speed automatic transmissions for Ram 1500. Then there is 65RFE with six speeds that were available in Ram trucks prior to 2018.
In terms of torque capacity, the 8HP95 is the best out of all four transmissions for Ram 1500. Moreover, when comparing the gear shifting time, the ZF HP transmissions perform better than the 65RFE.
The available gear ratios for all four types demonstrate a good spread for smooth driving. However, 8HP75 has the highest ratio span. This means 8HP75 will be the most fuel-economical one.
The six-speed 65RFE will weigh less than the eight-speed transmission. But out of three HP transmissions, 8HP75 is the lightest one. All of the transmissions mentioned above use specifically developed semi-synthetic ATF(automatic transmission fluid).
There were several issues with the 65RFE transmission such as the torque converter issue, high-pressure oil pump failure, and the input clutch drum. This is why the more recent Ram 1500 uses a ZF torqueflite eight-speed transmission.
The three ZF HP transmissions are better than the 65RFE. It’s because a lot of gears allow for performance first gear and high economy top gear. Additionally, the ZF eight-speed provides 98% efficiency with a quick locking torque converter.
Verdict: The ZF 8HP95 is the best transmission for Ram 1500.
Best Transmission For Ram 2500
In Ram 2500, these are the transmissions we’re comparing here; 66RFE, 68RFE, and 8HP75. The first two are six-speed and the last one is an eight-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler manufactured the RFE transmissions and ZF Friedrichshafen made the 8HP75.
| Model / Spec | 66RFE | 68RFE | 8HP75 |
| Available speeds | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Torque Capacity | 600 lb-ft | 560- 570 lb-ft | 550 lb-ft |
| Gear Ratios 1st, 2nd,3rd,4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, R | 3.23, 1.83, 1.41, 1.0, 0.816, 0.625, 4.444 | 3.23, 1.83, 1.41, 1.00, 0.81, 0.62, 4.44 | 5, 3.2, 2.14, 1.72, 1.31, 1, 0.82, 0.64, 3.45 |
| Case material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Service Interval | 60-120 K miles | 60-120 K miles | 70-80 K miles |
| Weight | 140- 170 lbs | 263 lbs | 191 lbs |
| Transmission Fluid | Mopar ATF +4 | Mopar ATF +4 | ZF Lifeguard 8 |
| Special Features | Hybrid of 68RFE and 545RFE | Double Overdrive | Fuel Efficient |
These are the top three automatic transmissions for Ram 2500; 66RFE, 68RFE, and 8HP75. Among these transmissions, the RFE ones are six-speed transmissions and the 8HP75 has eight available speeds.
The 66RFE is a hybrid of 68RFE and 545 RFE, and it weighs less than 68RFE and 8HP75. However, 8HP75 has better torque handling capacity than the RFE ones. Similarly, 8HP75 has a wider range of gear ratios.
This means the 8HP75 will be more fuel efficient and provide overall better transmission performance. All of this makes the 8HP75 the best transmission for Ram 2500.
Verdict: The 8HP75 is the best transmission for Ram 2500.
Best Transmission For Ram 3500
Here we will look at three Aisin Seiki transmissions for the Ram 3500 and two Chrysler-manufactured transmissions. The RFE means rear-wheel drive with an electronically controlled transmission.
| Model / Spec | AS68RC | AS69RC | AS66RC | 68RFE | 8AP Powerline |
| Available speeds | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Torque capacity | 730 lb-ft | 1,200 lb-ft | < 730 lb-ft | 560- 570 lb-ft | 885 lb-ft |
| Gear Ratios 1st, 2nd,3rd,4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, R | 3.74, 1.96, 1.34, 1, 0.77, 0.63, 3.54 | 3.75, 2, 1.34,1, 0.77, 0.63, 3.54 | 3.75, 2, 1.34,1, 0.77, 0.63, 3.54 | 3.23, 1.83, 1.41, 1.00, 0.81, 0.62, 4.44 | 4.89, 3.12, 2.03, 1.64, 1.25, 1, 0.84, 0.64, 4.25 |
| Service Interval | 30-60 K miles | 30-60 K miles | 30-60 K miles | 60-120 K miles | Lifetime of Transmission |
| Weight | 500 lbs | 350- 400 lbs | 215 – 235 lbs | 263 lbs | 328 lbs |
| PTO | Available | Available45 HP | Available | Not Available | Dual Life PTO |
| Transmission Fluid | Mopar ASRC/ Mobil 3309 | Mopar ASRC | Mopar ASRC | Mopar ATF +4 | Not Specified |
| Special Features | Special TCM | Double overdrive | Double Overdrive | Double Overdrive | 10% fuel savings |
There are three Aisin Seiki Transmissions used in RAM 3500; AS66RC, AS68RC, and AS69RC. Among these three the AS69RC performs the best in terms of torque capacity. All three transmissions are similar in design and performance.
The Aisin transmission and the ZF 8AP powerline have PTO or power take-off features available. This feature provides an additional 45 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. The Powerline transmission has dual PTO that provides around 1000 Nm.
The Aisin Seiki transmission users have reported having issues with the torque converter, high-pressure oil pump, valve body, etc. On the contrary, the relatively new 8AP powerline transmission is lightweight, economical, and intelligent.
Verdict: The 8AP powerline is the best transmission for Ram 3500.
Why Eight-Speed Transmission Is Better Than Six Speeds For Ram?
The eight-speed transmission is better for Ram trucks than six-speed ones because they provide a driver with more gear change options and more control over the vehicle.
At the same time, the eight-speed transmission will be more fuel efficient than a six-speed one. It is good for better acceleration performance and highway cruising. Moreover, an eight-speed transmission will be more adaptable to different driving scenarios than a six-speed one.
Summary
For Ram 1500 the 8HP95 is the best transmission, whereas for 2500 it’s 8HP75, and for 3500 it’s the 8AP powerline.
Allison Transmission In Ram
In 2022, Ram was supposed to get an Allison transmission with a 10-speed automatic control system. However, it did not happen. Ram users are hoping to get this upgrade by 2023.
The existing transmissions like 68RFE in Ram vehicles had some performance issues. So this upgrade is much expected and needed.
FAQs
What Transmission Do Supercars Use?
Most supercars use automatic transmissions since they have better power and torque handling capacity. Automatic transmission with a lot of gears provides smooth gear shifting and acceleration capabilities.
Does Toyota Use ZF?
Yes, Toyota uses ZF transmissions. For example, Toyota uses a tuned-up ZF transmission in their Supra six-speed manual cars. Toyota did some modifications on the gearbox but at the end of the day, the basic structure is still a ZF.
Is Allison Owned By GM?
Yes, Allison has been owned by GM since 1928. In the beginning, GM used Allison engineering to make engines for fighter planes. However, In 2007 GM sold Allison Transmission Division.
Bottom Line
Hopefully this article helped you find the best transmission for your beloved RAM truck. Looks like the eight-speed automatic is the common winner among all RAM transmission variants.
