Dodge automatic or manual transmission?

[kiltedpig]

Unless you get an Asisn tranny are you better off getting the manual trans? The older Dodges don't have the Asisn (sp) tranny so is the manual the best bet?

[DQDick]

I was a manual man for years but wouldn't buy one to tow with anymore. With the tow haul mode and the exhaust brake I seldom even touch the brake going up and down the mountains. If you want to shift gears or select gears you can on the shift lever, but once I found how will the tow haul worked I quit fooling around with that also.

[c214dick]

I'm dating myself but pre 48RE auto transmission there were problems with the automatic. I have an 03 3500 with the 48RE and have no problems. As the years have gone by I'm sure their as good if not better. Like DQ said I would never tow with a std trans.

[kiltedpig]

I was thinking that with the older automatics Dodge used it might save a ton to just get a manual. Which year did the Dodge get a better auto trans?

[c214dick]

2002 0r 2003

[CORattler]

You get more torque with an auto these days. That's how it is for my 2009.

[richard66]

Properly serviced the Dodge 48RE tranny will hold up fine. The Asisn is a good strong tranny but the tranny's after 2001 will hold alot of power and live when given proper maint. Your not limited to manual units.

[Irlpguy]

For many years I insisted on having a standard transmission, on my 2001 Dodge 3500 I had the six speed standard and put 300,000 miles on it towing several different RV's including my current 3402RL, It was a great combination with an aftermarket exhaust brake. However towing with this configuration in stop and go traffic in the city was a real PITA. When I bought my new 2012 I got the six speed automatic 68RFE tranny. This combined with the turbo brake and tow haul mode and the ability to shift manually is much easier to drive in stop and go traffic and is super coming down hills, braking is minimal which sure saves on both the TV and RV brakes.

Would not go back to a standard now and unless you are talking about an older truck you are unlikely to have problems with this new 68RFE.

[mazboy]

Really? What year r u going to buy? Automatic,

[kiltedpig]

I figure that '11 - '12 with under 100,000 miles should be ok

[jlb27537]

Ram '11/'12. A standard will give you the lower rated engine. Only a Chrysler 68RFE auto was available in the pickup. You have to buy a Cab/chassis in '11/'12 to get a Aisin. '13 and up pickup's you can get all 3 options.

[PackerFan]

Also recommend the Automatic Trans. The Tow/Haul mode is Great and the factory Exhaust Brake is wonderful!! You will not go wrong with the Automatic.

[Devildog]

January 2012 Ram started with the high output Cummins (850 torque) and the 68rfe tranny. I got one in a Laramie Longhorn dually.