Dodge 6 speed automatic

[palebluedot]

Dodge has announced it will build a 6 speed auto tranny (68RLE) at it's Kokomo facility. Logic would seem to dictate this would be used in the Ram 2500/3500 trucks behind a new 6.1L Hemi (440HP/440ft lb.) and the Cummins engines. Also very strong in the rumor mill is a Dodge 4500 Ram. Both would be good news for us RVers.

[Chester]

It will be interesting to see how well this tranny does. Dodge is not noted for building one of the stronger autos. I have the 48RE and have had no problems but I know there are potential weak spots in there. I will likely trade my 03 on an 06 and will continue to monitor the DTR website to see how this tranny works out. If I'm not mistaken isn't this tranny due out in 07??

[mgdg]

Guy`s and Gals I will check with the Kokomo Engineers at work when they come in to the plant and check these rumours out. Since I work at the Windsor Asembly plant building the Town $ Country mini vans, and Chrysler Pacifica`s. The Engineers usually are in once or twice a week. I work on the docks where the tranny`s come in for production, and I`m usually asking him questions about my tranny 48re in my Dodge Cummins Diesel. He is very helpful and really knows his stuff. I`ve never had a problem with mine but I`d love to be able to put a 6 speed on mine when the tranny goes.

[jerryb]

I actualy considered a GMC to get the 5 spd. alison but I've gotten used to the 4 spd. and I don't think I need more gears. Mine is a 2004 305 hp and I get good fuel economy and have no smog equipment so I doubt I will trade. I bought mine just before they went to the 600 and am glad I did, I've got 40K on it now and never a problem.

[timbuktu78]

i have a 05 2500 CTD shortbed with a 4" lift and 37" tires. i believe my bedrails sit at 61". i just put money down on a 05 3400rl, but before i did, i went to the local montana dealer to make sure my truck wasn't too tall for a 5er. with all of the adjustments on the 5er it looked like i was good to go. i'm pretty sure the axle was flipped and the hitch on the 5er could be moved down about two inches. all in all, it looked like i was going to have about 5 inches of space between the bedrails and the 5er. just wondering if anyone else has a truck as tall as mine pulling a 5er or if anyone has any input or advice? thanks, tim

[Montana_1424]

Cant say that is a good idea with that lift kit, just make sure you measure your rig all hooked up, so you are set for bridge clearance.

[timbuktu78]

have to agree w/ you on that kozzy. bought the truck and did the lift before i came up w/ the idea of getting a 5er. if i had to do it over, i would go w/ just a leveling kit and 35" tires. but i'm trying to work w/ what i have now. all of the measurements seem to be okay. while at the local montana dealership we backed the truck up to a 3400 and did more measurements and had the 5er sit exactly at the height if it were hooked up on the hitch. there was plenty of room. suprisingly my truck only sits about 3 inches higher than one w/ just the leveling kit and 33's. i'm pretty sure i'll be okay, but it would be nice to hear that someone else out there is towing a 5er w/ my setup. but somehow, i doubt there is.

[tweir]

Just to note: CM announced that this summer, it will release its 6-speed Allison. From my understanding, the existing Allison gearbox is already 6-speed capable, but GM elected not to add the extra gear. I think the ratio for the new gearbox in 6th. gear is 0.61:1 or nearly so. I saw the news release from GM---If I can find the site, I'll post it.
Later...