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GoLeafsGo · 05-09-2018, 12:17 PM

Trying to make a decision between two trucks, one with and one without Aisin.

GoLeafsGo · 05-09-2018, 12:41 PM

I found this, but it reads like it was written by an Aisin fanboy so not sure how much stock to put in it...

Aisin AS69RC vs Chrysler 68RFE Transmission Comparison

BFlinn181 · 05-09-2018, 12:46 PM

Aisin is a company that makes transmissions, like Allison, Borg-Warner, etc. If you do a Google search of the Aisin transmission, good bad opinions and videos come up. You'll see Aisin-Warner, and Aisin-Seiki listed.

Nlambert · 05-09-2018, 12:59 PM

They're both pretty reliable transmissions if treated properly. The 68RFE is miles ahead of the 48RFE that came with the 5.9L. Just stick to the severe duty trans fluid change schedule and you'll be fine.

The Aisin has some beefier internal components (input/output shafts, etc) and a slightly different gear ratio though.

That being said, one downfall of the 68RFE (in my opinion) is that it is almost at the limits of what it can handle with the engine bone stock in the non-HO. Being the HO version, my truck put out 350 HP/800 lb-ft of torque stock. I have deleted the emissions equipment and run on a tow tune, which bumped up the HP to 410 HP. I've yet to have any issues.

The 68RFE has held up well for me, so I don't have much real world experience with the Aisin AS69RC, but I think you'd be fine with either one. Chrysler uses a rating to determine transmission strength. The "8" in 68RFE is a strength designation that Chrysler puts on their transmissions and is out of a 1-10 scale. The Aisin if newer has a "9" designation so by that methodology should be stronger. It's an arbitrary number, but it's there anyhow.

Normal_Dave · 05-09-2018, 01:23 PM

https://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/aisin.html

Edit: The Aisin is the best Ram has to offer. For your described towing and off road use, I wouldn't let the lack of the Aisin be a deal breaker on the right truck. You can drive a nail with a hand held sledge, but the lighter hammer will do a better job overall. Use the right tool for the job, your "job" seems to be a combination of relatively light towing and off road exploring with the family.

jimcumminsw · 05-09-2018, 03:09 PM

I have an early 68RFE in my 2008 Dodge Mega Cab with the 6.7L Cummins. I have a tuner on my truck a Smarty S67 set at CatCHER level 3 which adds 60HP/120lb-ft to the rear axle. I have towed my 5ers this way since I have installed the Smarty in 09, the truck now has 114,000 miles on the OD. Transmission oil changes are down every 40,000 miles with two new filters. Several users of the 68RFE have been able to get between 200,000 and 300,000 miles out them before rebuild. These are professionals drives you used their trucks for hauling all over the U.S.
Here is a thread from Turbo Diesel Register. Com on the life expectancy of the 68RFE:https://www.turbodieselregister.com/.../#post-2424771

The Aisin is a good transmission and is will worth the money but if you do not need the Aisin than the 68RFE will server you will.

raineman · 05-09-2018, 06:04 PM

Love my 68RFE. Pulls like a monster. I was in the same boat as the OP thinking I had to have an Aisin. However, after doing my homework, I found that the 68RFE is a great transmission with millions of proven towing miles. Very happy camper here.

Good Luck!

jelag · 05-09-2018, 08:32 PM

So I tow with a 2013 and the 68rfe... or what ever that number is... the truck now has over 70K miles and I tow a 15K lb trailer... now returning from FL back to WA and I've never had the the transmission temp gauge any where near the temperature of the engine oil... and this transmission now has a spin on oil filter...

If you take care of it.... I think it will go the distance....

wildcatter · 05-09-2018, 09:23 PM

I have the aisin, if you tow heavy I would go with the aisin, also I believe if you want the engine brake you will need the aisin for the heavier valve body. The only draw back with aisin is more frequent transmission fluid changes, the manual says 15k but the ram techs don't change it until 30k. The older aisin's had problems, I don't remember what years were impacted.

chertz · 05-10-2018, 04:41 AM

I really like my 14 with the 68RFE. Never a lick of trouble nor has it ever heated up while towing our 14k 5er. 68 has the advantage of being tune-able if you delete and tune. Aisin has lower gear ratios in the first few years, so it is better matched with the 3.42's off the line.

raineman · 05-10-2018, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildcatter

I believe if you want the engine brake you will need the aisin for the heavier valve body.

Not true. Have the 68RFE and have engine brake

Nlambert · 05-10-2018, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildcatter

I have the aisin, if you tow heavy I would go with the aisin, also I believe if you want the engine brake you will need the aisin for the heavier valve body. The only draw back with aisin is more frequent transmission fluid changes, the manual says 15k but the ram techs don't change it until 30k. The older aisin's had problems, I don't remember what years were impacted.

I have the engine brake with the 68RFE. Works fantastic. But I would agree with you on really heavy towing. My 68RFE has towed as much as 16k lbs without much problem but it began to act a little funny when it was time to change the fluid. Once I changed it everything seemed to go back to normal though.

Honestly I think both are fine choices.

wildcatter · 05-10-2018, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raineman

Not true. Have the 68RFE and have engine brake

Thank you for correcting me, I was going by what I was told. Shame on me.

rampowerwago · 05-10-2018, 06:14 PM

I've towed 18000# with both. If my plans were to tow 20000# or less, I would buy a 68RFE. If over 20000#, I'd get an Aisin. I actually prefer the 68RFE for every day driving.