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Old 01-29-2017, 10:35 AM   #1
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317RLOK RAM 3500 transmission ratio

looking to change tow vehicle from RAM 2500 to RAM 3500 SRW. appears most (if not all of these) use the 3.42 gear ratio. there are (2) transmissions available:
68RFE (appears to be standard)
69RC (which I believe is referred to as the Aisin transmission)
2 questions:
1) 3.42 should be better mileage. how's the pull rate?
2) is the Aisin worth the extra $2600?

thanks for all advice, suggestions, comments.
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Old 01-29-2017, 10:55 AM   #2
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My understanding is that the 2500 and 3500 CTD use the same drivetrain. With that said, I'm very happy with the way my 2500 and 68RFE combination pulls. I haven't pulled in the mountains out west with it, but have had no issues in the eastern mountains (Smokies, Alleghenies, etc.).

I average 19 mpg unloaded and 12 mpg towing.

Can't speak for the Aisin and whether or not it's worth the money.
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Old 01-29-2017, 12:38 PM   #3
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Yep, there's always debate between the two transmissions. So you kinda have to make your own mind up. My understanding is the Asin is the Heavier Duty transmission. Another difference is the Asin is capable of a pto addition. Alot probably depends on what you plan towing and if your going to be in the hills alot. I've discussed this with someone that has been in the transmission bussiness for over 30 years. He said their both decent transmissions and both have occasional issues for some. Many I've talked two seem to think if you going to tow heavy go with the 373 gears or 410's. Personally, if I was going to go with the 342 ratio I would go with the Asin from the input I've heard so far. Also the asin gearing is a little more favorable for that situation. More stress than the other two due to the gearing in my opinion.
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Old 01-29-2017, 01:16 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smt0954 View Post
looking to change tow vehicle from RAM 2500 to RAM 3500 SRW. appears most (if not all of these) use the 3.42 gear ratio. there are (2) transmissions available:
68RFE (appears to be standard)
69RC (which I believe is referred to as the Aisin transmission)
2 questions:
1) 3.42 should be better mileage. how's the pull rate?
2) is the Aisin worth the extra $2600?

thanks for all advice, suggestions, comments.
Both are great transmissions. However the Aisin is a beast. If you are hauling a couple of times a year only the $2600 may or may not be worth it. If you are hauling regularly or your camper is a heavy unit, then I would opt for the Aisin. I love mine.

The 3.42 works well. I'm getting a touch over 10 mpg hauling the fifth wheel, and 20 unloaded. Hauling at 65 mph rpm is around 1800. Quiet and low stress.
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Old 01-29-2017, 01:19 PM   #5
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Which ever tranny you go with the gear ratio will be 3:42 in the SRW setup, unless you do something aftermarket. If you want the higher ratios you have to go to DRW. I love my 2500 too.
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Old 01-29-2017, 06:42 PM   #6
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As Dan said, all single wheel diesel 2500 and 3500s will have 3.42 gears. If you go dually you can get 3.42, 3.73, or 4.10.

My 68rfe has performed well for 65k miles, 26k of those are towing miles. I hear good things about the Aisin. If I ever order a new truck, I will get the Aisin probably.
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Old 01-30-2017, 02:29 PM   #7
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I'm not sure about the SRW but on the DRW trucks when you get the Aisin package they tweak the engine tune to bump the horse power and give you 900 foot pounds of torque. When in the mountains the towhaul mode, Jake brake and electronic stability combine to make it a towers dream..........
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Old 01-30-2017, 08:32 PM   #8
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I'm not sure about the SRW but on the DRW trucks when you get the Aisin package they tweak the engine tune to bump the horse power and give you 900 foot pounds of torque. When in the mountains the towhaul mode, Jake brake and electronic stability combine to make it a towers dream..........
That's right I forgot about the extra 25 hp and 50 lbs of torque. I love mine....did I mention I love mine?
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Old 01-31-2017, 06:13 AM   #9
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RAM 3500 SRW Laramie

looking at the RAM 3500 SRW Laramie. Thoughts, suggestions, advise? where to buy? I am in central Arkansas (you know that 3rd world country
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Old 01-31-2017, 06:58 AM   #10
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I can tell you that you should be able to get $10k - $12k off of the MSRP. That was what I was getting using USAA pricing. That's what I was finding when I looked back in December. I know folks that have had the MSRP reduced by 20%, but those deals are hard to find.
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Old 01-31-2017, 08:03 AM   #11
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When i bought my 3500 SRW, it was like finding a unicorn. 3500 dually's are everywhere. When I decided on what options/set up I wanted, the dealer found 2 within 500 miles. Looking back I'm glad I was patient and stuck with the options and paint color I wanted. Ford and Chevy was the same deal. I test drove the big 3 HD truck makers. None of them had a 3500/350 SRW truck on the lot. I was driving 2500 SRW or 3500 Dually's. I saw plenty of HD trucks marked $12K off. Just nothing that I was looking for or was at all interested in. In the end I paid $9K under sticker on a dealer trade.

I did hold out for the 5th wheel prep package. In hind sight, I'm not sure I would necessarily do that again. At the time the compatible hitch had few options ($$$) without purchasing additional hardware (like a frame that fit in the puck system). If I had to do over again, the 5th wheel prep package would have been a take it or leave it option. The price of the option, hitch, plus hardware was more than if I had not paid for the option and started from scratch.

I chose the short bed and I'm glad I did. Most late model campers have the 90* friendly front cap. I have not had a close call with tight turns (yet anyway).

I went with the mega cab as we have 3 kids and are always short on storage.... I measured the difference for leg room in the back seat between the 4 door crew cab and mega cab. There was only about 1'' of extra leg room. The rest of the space is storage behind the seat. Don't know if you care about that....

I have the 68rfe and have no complaints. I'm about 16,500lbs loaded. Mountains where I live are considered rolling hills by the rest of the country so I can't say how it does in the rockies, but I have no power complaints.

Unloaded I'm about 18-19 mpg combined driving (daily driver). Best tank was 20 mpg.

My biggest complaint is my phone has never been able to Bluetooth with the truck. I don't care much about that. I'm sure it's fixed by now, just don't want to go back to the dealer to look into it I guess...
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Old 02-01-2017, 07:31 PM   #12
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FYI....... February is RAM truck month. You will probably get a better deal now. I am considering a new truck if the deal is right. Good luck.

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Old 02-01-2017, 08:18 PM   #13
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FYI....... February is RAM truck month. You will probably get a better deal now. I am considering a new truck if the deal is right. Good luck.

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Only problem is the "big" rebates right now are for the 1500's.
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Old 02-02-2017, 11:22 AM   #14
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We have a 2015 Laramie Longhorn 3500 Dually, Aisin, 3.73 gear ratio, mega cab (short bed), 16 inch wheels. Could not find one anywhere with our specs and color, trim, etc. Using a slider hitch. We ordered ours and it took about 3-4 months to arrive. Added an after market air suspension and had the guy to did our hitch, drill the holes. Did not order the fifth wheel package from dealer. We absolutely love the way this tows our Pinnacle throughout the country, mostly in the west. Would not change anything and worth the wait!
Mileage is improving now (30,000) and we get about 11-14MPG towing.
We are constantly getting stopped at signal lights, parking lots etc., w the comment, "nice truck!"
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Old 02-09-2017, 09:47 AM   #15
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I have the brother to your trailer the 321RSTS and a 2015 Ram 3500 with 3.42 68RFE. If I had to do it all again I would get the same tranny and gear ratio. I don't need 900 lb-ft of torque or a different gear ratio. Put the truck in Tow/Haul, turn on the exhaust brake. and lock out 6th gear. I pulled 2700 miles last year and the truck will pull with ease in first overdrive (5th gear) on the highway and interstate. I average 11.55 towing and 17.62 around town hand-calculated.
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Old 02-09-2017, 04:45 PM   #16
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I made the mistake of driving a 3500 Limited MegaCab dually with the Aisin and 410 gears today! All I could say was wow! I just wish I could afford the price they were asking. Too much for my blood! Maybe in my future.
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Old 02-11-2017, 02:48 AM   #17
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looking at the RAM 3500 SRW Laramie. Thoughts, suggestions, advise? where to buy? I am in central Arkansas (you know that 3rd world country

I bought my 2500 6.4L hemi at Dennis Dillion, they also had a lot of good buy on diesel, it might be a worth it looking at them.
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