Ram 2500 6.7L CUMMINS Diesel + ZF 8 Speed Transmission *Heavy Mechanic Review* | How Good Is It??

[@CharlesRAmey-te6yx]

What we need is the manual transmission brought back. People complain about different things relating to the automatic. People say the transmissions shifts too much, or too little, and all sorts of other things. To solve all of these issues, put the manual transmission back in and everyone will be happy.

[@davidanderson8469]

I special order a 2007 with a manual.

[@petepeterson5337]

I agree. Moreover everyone wants tons of horsepower, while I want the horsepower set at a level appropriate for the engine for hard use without the engine hurting its self. At the top of a long grade going up heavy, I want to know that I didn't shorten the engine life by asking it to work hard.

[@DeeRizzley]

I was a life long ford guy I mean to the death, and ram has completely made me switch sides lately, with the styling awesome interiors spacious cabs and superior ride quality with a Cummins, and now a zf8 for the hd trucks as well!? I’m sold.

[@jimturpin6503]

Ford going woke disappointed me. I've got 275,000 miles on my Ram 2500 with the RF68, original breaks.

[@austinkeen4577]

The 8 speed ZF has been a workhorse for years. Im glad to see its involvement in the heavier series. Its easily a transmission, maybe even one of all time!

[@PissBoys]

Of all the transmissions they've put in these trucks, this is definitely one of them.

[@JohnDiMartino]

Looks like way too much transmission for a 3/4 ton , it’s specs align with the Allison 3000 series we run in our class 8 trucks,but with less torque capacity. Probably perfect for the 3500-5500 series Chassis cabs .

[@edt689]

I have aisin in mine.no problems for past 260k .been hotshoting and hauling containers since day 1. Lets hope zf hold up just as good.

[@jdksynthetics]

I have heard good things about the Aisin. How often do you change filter and fluid?

[@JeffFoster-s5v]

This has been LONG overdue for the Cummins!

[@rock-uu7qr]

long overdue and still behind sadly why cant they get there shit together

[@wizard_of_poz4413]

​@@rock-uu7qrwhy is it behind?

[@rock-uu7qr]

@@wizard_of_poz4413 duramax makes less power and still tows better due to its 10 speed. Dodge needs to get a 10 speed

[@chrishansen7004]

@@rock-uu7qreh, not really. Those 10 speeds have 3 over drive gears and one extra under drive gear compared too an 8 speed. It’s useless too have 3 overdrives and it’s gonna hunt for gears a lot more and cook your transmission fluid leading too premature failure especially under load.

[@dantimber]

@@rock-uu7qr The ZF 8-speed is widely considered to be one of the best if not the best mass produced transmissions in the world. I can't speak to this heavy duty version but it's been perfect in my Gladiator. Honestly the best transmission I've owned in a truck and this is my 8th truck. It'll probably die tomorrow ha ha.

[@TheMacronical]

ABOUT. DAMN. TIME! I might actually be interested in a RAM 2500 for once now

[@UTBanjo]

IMHO a diesel 3/4 ton is a useless truck. Why buy an HD truck with the payload capacity of a half ton?

[@jimedwards2511]

@@UTBanjo I agree. Will never buy a 3/4 with a 10000lbs rating

[@SupramanTRD]

@@UTBanjoit still had better payload and towing than a half ton, just not quite as much as the one ton. I got a Ram 3500 not for the extra capability, but because it's the only one that offered a reliable transmission (Aisin). As a transmission mechanic, I will never own a 68rfe powered truck. I look forward to a ZF8 Cummins 3/4 ton.

[@TyphoidSnaily]

​@@UTBanjoI don't use my truck to haul stuff in the bed. I use it to tow my 16k pound 5th wheel, my 8k Pound (empty) gooseneck with my Jeep, Suburban, Kubota, and steel on it. Or my Gooseneck Dump trailer. I've also had almost 3k in Laminate Flooring in the bed of my truck and a 3k Camper in the bed. Was definitely fun with the factory air and sway but it handled the weight without a problem. 🤷🤷 Love my 2500 CCLB w/ Factory Air.

[@joshuareed3999]

Too bad they took away the manual trans. I had a 2012 3500 with the 6.7 and a 6 spd manual. It needed a new clutch pretty quickly, but what a solid setup once I put a dual disc in it. I didn't know what I had at the time!

[@Polskmofo]

I had an 01 5.9 with a 6 speed a long time ago. Selling that was a mistake… now I’m waiting for when my dad wants to sell his 2014 with a 6 speed so I can buy it from him.

[@charlesamey3144]

@@PolskmofoBringing the manual transmission back will stop everyone's problems with the automatics' shift patterns. The driver gets to choose when to shift.

[@davidanderson8469]

Noisy suckers though. I don't tow or carry a camper anymore so I'm going back to dmf and the near silent trans.

[@daniellavigne2496]

This is my third Ram pick up truck, One 3.0 liter Turbo diesel (2015) and one 5,7 liter (2020) both with ZF transmission. What a breeze this ZF transmission; reliable, smooth and well calibrated. My new 3500 with the HO Cummins is a totally different story; slow, bumpy and lacking gears. Very often instead of changing gears, they use the turbo pressure to compensate for the lack of gears and it is slow to adjust to my commands. I have the feeling to drive a CVT….. Looking forward to go back to my ZF sweetheart!

[@SupramanTRD]

That's because the Aisin is basically an industrial Toyota transmission. It's made to tow, not be comfortable. Which is backwards for the half tons. Which are comfortable and useless.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

​@@SupramanTRDIt's reliable but has way too few gears!

[@Sl4ck3r84]

Looking forward to this new transmission, really hope it proves to be a good unit. The 10 speeds have developed some less than stellar reputations, hopefully this kicks them in the rear and helps to get them sorted. Great video, looking forward to the next one.

[@SupramanTRD]

More parts, less reliable. It's always been that way. 10 gears is too many.

[@MrNismopro]

I have a Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel with the ZF. I love the way that transmission runs, it’s like it’s designed to protect itself and work the engine instead. Very conservative with gearing and shifts. It also seems to defuel at shifts. Can’t wait to see the bigger brother of it.

[@Weak_juan]

This is exciting. I bought my ram mainly for the 8hp70.

[@madeintheusa9744]

I'm glad I held off buying a new Ram. I was in the market for a 16+ 3500HO Mega/dually max tow air/4.10 gears for awhile until I decided to keep my 99' 7.3 F250 4r100(4 Speed)once I installed gear vendor unit which allows me to "split the gears" which is technically a 8-speed now it made a tremendous difference towing a 40' triple axle 5w toy hauler on the highway and up steep hills. As a guy that works on his on stuff the I6 Cummins is a dream to work on compared to a Duramax or the 6.7 Power-stroke rats nest with the Power-stroke being that absolute worse with everything stacked on top of each other(Hot V Turbo Engine). On top of that every time I see a hotshot truck on the highway 9/10 its a Ram 2500/3500HD .The ease of accessing different components cannot compare to a I6 with the intake components on one side and the exhaust on the other. Honestly the Cummins doesn't need a 10 speed it just needed 1 extra gear but 2 more huge game changer. I wouldn't doubt that it will have a higher towing capacity than the new F-450 H.O

[@wj2791]

Great decision. My 2023 Ram 3500 limited DRW 4.1 is great, except the mpg. I get 15.5 on empty.

[@TyphoidSnaily]

Yeah the HO w/ the ZF in the 2500 is making me seriously considering a new truck. And I was never planning on selling the truck I have. Maybe someone will figure out how to swap the ZF into older trucks. My "Standard Output" 2500 is already tuned and set up how I like it. Transmission is the only thing I've been nervous about. I was thinking of just doing an Ally swap but the ZF is looking nice!!

[@gdtruckern7632]

Yeah I wouldn't mind switching out the 6E for the ZF

[@wj2791]

@@TyphoidSnaily I will not swapping out anything unless something is broken. What do you get for ROI?

[@TyphoidSnaily]

@@wj2791 piece of mind personally. I tow fairly heavy (for my 2500) frequently. 5th Wheel is 16k wet, Gooseneck with a Truck bed camper on the front for long distance wheeling trips is 15k with my Jeep and gear. And occasionally I'll move my Kubota M62 Backhoe which is 13k including the trailer. So far my 68RFE has been ok (knock on wood) big with 35s and a Tow Tune I can definitely see the difference in Trans Temps and pulling hills even with the Transmission locked out of 5th and 6th. My old Duramax would hail the exact same loads without blinking transmission wise. But I def prefer my Cummins. A transmission swap has always been the plan when the 68 gives up the magic smoke. ROI is me keeping the truck I really like that's setup how I like and almost paid off vs trading it in for a new truck that's likely going to be 90k for a similar package and I still will have to do my Suspension Tunes Wheels and Tires over again to the tube of another $8k to $10k.

[@robertannable9584]

5.7 HEMI and ZF 8-speed AT is the best powertrain combo available in a half-ton truck. I have been saying this for many years now. Thanks, Alex. You are a smart man. Appreciate your content.

[@aaaaaaab11]

with 392 rear gear is great 2019 Rebel

[@mddunlap03]

It's works in every way to the 10r80 5.0 combo but if slower worse mpg and less hauling the pack of trucks it's winning

[@robertannable9584]

@@mddunlap03 HUH? I've reread this many times and still can't make any sense of it.

[@Chaseg30]

5.7 iforce and A750F enters chat

[@rexchris5283]

I completely agree, best 1/2 ton setup out there.

[@joshuawesterman6097]

I love your content man, the different cuts between all the trucks and how well it flows is really good, love watching your videos

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Appreciate it sir. I had fun looking into these 8 speeds.

[@samuelvelez1643]

Can't wait to see that transmission in a 3500 Cummins pickup

[@gunfreak1911]

I love my 68rfe. I’ve got a custom built and tuned one but it’s a beast. That said I can’t wait for Ram to release this Cummins ZF setup and work out the bugs. I’ll be buying one

[@bobross9524]

You must not drive it much they blow up yearly up here in canada I don't care what billet parts you got in there...

[@johnking4221]

I just rolled 300k on my 6 speed. Admittedly, i dont tow heavy loads, but 300k with zero hiccups seems good to me. Also, zero engine, fuel, turbo issues either.

[@stgraves260]

ZF makes transmissions for Formula 1 cars, LaMans, Grand Prix, the ZR 1 vet, semi trucks, the 91 -92 Pontiac Fire Hawk, ships, planes, helicopters. I’m glad Ram stayed with ZF.

[@justinbourgeois4685]

It's a premium product for sure. But it costs more to pay ZF royalties. Then they have to pay Cummins it's share. That's why to compete with Ford, the have to build them in Mexico vs the USA. To keep costs down. I like ram

[@dor1tomcswagger69]

Forgot pdk from Porsche designed with porsche the best trans out there

[@promisefisheries7901]

Kinda funny, in the marine world they are #2 in a field of two. They still work and are cheaper, but twin disc they are not. Just kinda weird to hear the spoken of in hused and reverent tones.

[@Back24reality]

And Prevost busses…. 500 HP and 1500lbft

[@shawnh9677]

the aisin has been rock solid. ive had 5 trucks with the aisin 6speed all have been rock solid. they tow everyday and get drain and fills every 25k miles filters every 50k. no issues no complaints hopefully they will still offer the aisin at least in the tradesman work truck 3500 models

[@davidanderson8469]

Aisin has supplied autos for Toyota for ages.

[@mdp66403]

I think there is one thing to consider. Just like the new 10 speed “Allison” in the Duramax is not exactly the same as the 10 speed Allison behind the 6.6 gas engine, doesn’t mean Ram didn’t send their own specs to ZF…

[@jamesgeorge4874]

FCA decided to select a transmission that ZF already builds, for class 5/6/7 trucks.

[@zlt4lt4zz71]

I think it should be called a Allison like the old real Allison manufactured tranns it's just a Joke🤡🤡 calling it Allison trannny get the 10spn got approved by Allison but it's not and Allison what a joke🤡🤡😪

[@truckguy6.7]

@@jamesgeorge4874 I have been reading press releases about this transmission and the new facility that this transmission will be built at for the past 4 years. This transmission was designed and built with the Ram HD in mind right from the beginning. Will it slide into other applications? Yeah, but the main focus was the Ram.

[@samuelhatch8470]

It's not an Allison transmission since 2019. Truthfully it's just Allison tested and stamped. The 10 speed in Ford and Chevy are not great transmissions.

[@zlt4lt4zz71]

@samuelhatch8470 thats way it should be called Allison transmission😵😵 even though it was tested by them... Chevy is weak on that move for that its like Ram making there own engine try say it's a Cummings😵 what a joke my manon Chevy's behave🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️😂🤡🤡😵

[@airratchetjockey7605]

It’s about time! Shouldn’t have to pull the unit for any electrical would all be accessible from the pan or valve body drop.

[@zlt4lt4zz71]

Bien waiting on Ram to update there transs couldn't justify $75k+ on a ram truck with a 6spd trannny that will help me pull that trigger on a new Ramm just got wait en see know on🤙🏽🤙🏽 great video💯🤙🏽

[@TheGettyAdventures]

agreed I could not wrap my head around getting a 6.7 cummins with a lacking 6 speed 68RFE behind it.

[@stgraves260]

Got a new 1/2 Ford F150 WT with the 10spd auto. The company bought it for me so no complaints. I don’t know all the gearing yet but WoW it shifts a lot. I took the toll road yesterday on the way home from work. Set the cruise at 75 mph. Drove around 40 miles on the toll. It spent more times in 8th gear than it did 10th. I’ll see how it does today because I do a lot of stopping and going.

[@TD5rage]

In my opinion, the 6.7 HO paired with the ZF 8 speed that I think will be made to cope with maybe 1300lbft is a winner. I think the 8 speed is ideal as a 10 speed would be changing gear too much.

[@ralphscholz9533]

ZF makes some great transmissions. I drove HLVWs in the military that were equipped with ZFs. They were strong and reliable, I never saw one fail. (Unless someone poked a hole in it, of course)

[@jordanh4127]

You seem very “Getty” about this! 😜. It will be interesting what gearing they offer. My 2023 chevy 3500 6.6 gasser has a 3:73. Wish it had a 4:10 option. The 8 speed in the Cummins might tempt me to switch in 5 years.

[@idaho_7407]

Glad to have bought the HO/Aisin this year. Will wait for “Mickey” to test the ZF for a few years.

[@99unclebob]

you won't have problems with the Aisin in your truck, they are built stoutly and very high quality internals, when your hauling heavy you don't need 10 speeds, you need reliability in extreme conditions, hot or cold, and when the competition is hauling heavy loads they are not in 10th gear , they are in 5th or 6th maybe , thats where its needed, with over 40 yrs in the heavy equipment industry and lots of exposure to Aisin, any issues were usually owner /operator neglect, ZF also has a very coloured history and built shit transmissions in the 80's for a large part of the European car companies and they were garbage and brought ZF close to losing all these manufacturers, these included Volvo and Saab AB, commercial trucks, so yes ZF is good, it is no better than an Aisin transmission 👍

[@idaho_7407]

@@99unclebob Absolutely love the Aisin in the 2024 year model. It's engagement and shifts are near perfect. Weather Initial Engagement, Heavy towing or Empty the Aisin senses and engages perfectly to match the conditions at hand. With the bonus of a Sturdy, Proven Build.

[@stevescustomtransport2222]

Almost 900k on my 2016 3500 aisin srw going for at least a million or 1.2. Can't tune it but don't care don't want to blow it up, the shifting seems lazy sometimes depending on throttle input but it's been like that since day one. Seems like it protects itself. Even after extending the fluid intervals to 100 drain and fill and another 100 K with filter replacement I'm always amazed how clean the pan is

[@justinedwards5672]

Thanks so much for this Video I have been waiting for them to update the Ram HD, I am itching to buy one and I have started to look at the Fords and Chevys but with this info I'll hold tight for 2025 and see what happens. Please Ram WOW us so I can come buy my 3500

[@AJmx2702001]

8 speed will definitely work well and as long as Cummins can communicate good with that. New transmission should be definitely a game changer. I always thought a premium engine like a Cummins should have a premium transmission . Might actually finally get me to move over to them since I'm done with GM trucks

[@SterlingBall]

I drive a 2014 power wagon 6.4 very happy with it.

[@JMSynthetics]

NICE, the 68RFE is why I ditched Ram and the Cummins after many trucks. I hope this is a game changer for them. Next step should be an update for the Cummins itself which is long over due for any over haul compared to the competition,

[@zaerx777]

The 2 thing the 68rfe needed was a proper 5th and 6th clutch packs along with better valve body otherwise for daily driving and light towing it’s perfect for the masses that do not operate on the higher end of hauling and driving these trucks as Miata’s.

[@DM-tf6mk]

Great video! Looking forward to this new 8spd behind the cummins.

[@jasonesau3864]

Amazing transmission in the 1500s. We've had 3 Ecos. Really put the power to the ground. Should do well behind the 6.7.

[@PopCorn-ei5bj]

How many miles did you have on those trucks

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I don’t want to jump the gun but ZF makes damn good transmissions

[@M_dot202]

Excellent ZF transmissions in the 2019+ 6.4 HD trucks

[@ralphe.5877]

Great video! I love this Power Wagon 🤗👍 ZF = Zahnradfabrik (Gear Factory) Friedrichshafen (the city where it was founded) Greetings from Germany! 🇨🇦 🇩🇪

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Thank you sir, and hopefully I didn't butcher the pronunciation that bad!

[@ralphe.5877]

@@TheGettyAdventures Thank you for your great videos, Alex! I learnt already so much about trucks. These are not so common over here; but I guess their popularity is growing. Pronounciation was excellent, keep it up! 👍

[@jacoe33333]

We can’t wait!!! Thank you for update on that. Hope the prices will come down. The Aisin transmission won’t be beat for heavy duty. but it’s not for every day driver but heavy duty. We need a smoother better driving tranny that is reliable. Also. The Allison tranny is not a Allison anymore even tho they have the badge.

[@thebigd6249]

The 68RFE is not a bad transmission. Are there better ones out there? I have no doubt. Can this be a positive outcome for the RAM HD family? I'm sure it will be. Having said that, I still say the 68RFE is not a bad tranny. Unfortunately, it's gotten a lot of flak over the years. It's my opinion that most of the issues arise from modifications to the vehicle. Whether it be engine tuners, oversized wheels/tires, lifts, etc. I own one that is all original and have never had an issue with it. I've known others who have owned them for years w/o mods as well and they never seem to have any problems either. I'm convinced that people are unknowingly wrecking their own trucks to include transmissions by doing all these mods and then blaming the manufacturer when it goes boom. I see just as many Ford's and Chevy's in the shop for self-induced problems just the same as RAM. The engineers design them for specific things and then people buy them and add a bunch of stuff that was never in the plans of the vehicles original design. Maybe people here will disagree with me on all this, but these are my own observations on the subject.

[@davidanderson8469]

I know a guy with a concrete cutting business. He has an 04 3500 qc longbed. He hauls his equipment in the utility bed. He's got 364 K on his 68RFE beating the shit out of it. Regular trans service, a new valve body and a torque convertor in all these years.

[@baethye-actual]

I’ve probably built over 1000 RFE transmissions and have had a 5 speed RFE and an 8 speed ZF in 1500 trucks and will say the ZF is a lot less slushy! This is good news for Stellantis

[@methanial73]

That's really good for Ram. The 68rfe is an ok transmission. People have to adjust their expectations depending on what they're doing. A transmission cooler and an inline filter would be a good idea on the less heavy duty 68rfe.

[@KEN-du2iz]

Hopefully they aren't so commercially neutered it takes the fun out of the trucks. One thing I love about the 10R140 is the ability to manually select a gear and it hold no matter the throttle input. I needs to be quicker/responsive and if we're lucky... it can handle a tune. Fingers crossed, even better finally a possible conversion kit?!

[@Tibbygames]

Can't wait for the conversion kit for the older models

[@jamielombardo5292]

I know I'm old school but the best the heaviest and the most reliable are heavy duty manual Transmissions and that's what I'm putting in my 55 F700 Tremec

[@darinmosier7683]

I had a zf go out at 200k. Put a new one in and now it is running hot on the interstate

[@codyweiler6083]

Look what Toyota did with a bmw b58 and zf 8 speed. Killer combo that is very reliable

[@AndrewH91]

Definitely a long overdue improvement. I will say though despite all the flack the 68rfe gets, mine gave me 80,000 trouble free miles before I sold the truck.

[@jnk26]

Now, there are many issues with this info. The powerline that will be available in the pickups WILL NOT BE THE SAME AS THE CLASS 8 trucks. Same case, different internals. The Allison 1000 was over built for a 2000s era truck. The Allison 1000 isn't really a heavy duty transmission. The 1000 and 2000 ate the same case with different gears(straight vs helical cut gears). That comes down to noise. The 1000 and 2000 were never rated over over 26,001lbs gross(GVWR or GCWR) there was a Allison 1350(GCWR 30,000lbs) only for RVs and there were the 2500/2550 that were rated to 30,000lbs aswell(different ratios). Fords 6R140 has a GCWR or 50k now. Looking at the 10R140 it's at 48000lbs(F450 High capacity gooseneck package) 46,700lb stan dard. The only Aisin over 22,500lbs is the AS69RC in the Ram. That 1000lbft is the commercial spec(class 5-8) transmissions, and the Aisin isn't in an application over that in the commercial arena either. The Aisin just like the Allison are great transmission when used at the design capacity. Allison's would go into limp mode as soon as people started adding power, not that something was wrong, the electronics detected more slip that allowed(way more torque than designed to handle). Personally I hated(and still do) the Allison 1000s and the 3000 series, and dislike the 4000 series I have driven. I only seem to like the B500 and B500R, but these are 13-15L engines sending power through them. I don't mind them as the shift strategy only relies on the torque converter in 1st gear and part of 2nd. I dont care for many 6 speeds, the 8s in the rams are ok but smaller steps(more gears) makes for more efficient torque delivery(torque is the ONLY FORCE). If the powerline is only available with the 1000lbft input, it won't be a popular option in the class 8 segment, any truck I have driven at 56k or more always had 1150lft or more, and that's a dog of a truck. Highway coaches are 54-56k and they all have 410hp/1550lbft or more, that's the slower accelerating ones. Those 9,12, and 16speeds are all AUTOMATED MANUALS. Very differnt animals, the 12spd(Freedomline 12spd) came out in the early 90s. This ZF Powerline has been in service for almost 4 years. There is a video of a Ram 3500 with a powerline as a testbed for. 5 years ago. It's a 2019 interior. 2nd gear start, they have been tested I am sure there are more than a few school buses out there with them. There are only 2 engines available with the Powerline transmission. Both are Cummins the PX7 and PX9 only in Paccar trucks. Neither are popular or sold I huge numbers. Allison has a comparison video to the ZF powerline and they say at best this is a 2500RDS competitor. That's a bit below 56k GVW. They also point out the PLASTIC oil pan, TCM in the oil pan and a lack of fill points. Personally I wouldn't by it. The Aisin is probably a better transmission. Stepping up the automotive transmission isn't a great idea. Look at the 68RFE(beefed up 545RFE). I think Ford is still going to DOMINATE the HD pickup truck sales.

[@jeffharvey2519]

I saw a video that showed the Aisin transmission is only rated for 950 ft lbs of torque, so this transmission will be fine. My ZF in my 1500 are amazing.

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

I think it's a good choice to wait for this transmission rather than trying to put something like an 8hp75 on the 6.7L diesel. Better to have less gears, then to have gears that cannot handle their workload.

[@mamatronic963]

Hopefully it will yield the same result as when Cummins-Chrysler partnership started back in the day !

[@shainester]

Some very good info here as usual from this channel.

[@chrishansen7004]

Man I’m absolutely excited too see when these come out. Not a fan of the 10 speeds in the gm’s and the fords they’re really jerky and unpredictable. Ram has been killing it with their trucks

[@fobranator4.636]

Jerky? I have a 22 duramax, the 10L1000 is smooth as butter and had been for 32k…not even a hiccup. I had to buy a banks gauge because I couldn’t feel it shift and didn’t know what gear I was in. It’s that smooth.

[@gtrance3567]

Can’t wait for you to review the 2025 ram charger phev!!!

[@mixflipextra]

Time to go truck shopping. I’m in the market for an HD truck.

[@justinsefcik4980]

Cummins and ZF I hope is a great match. I’m a ford man but I will happily switch to Cummins if this ZF pans out to be a winner

[@NoLimitsCommemorativ]

Idk man, I was a big fan of ZF8 which was a leading factor in me getting a Ram but I've had to have my 2021 flashed over 3 times. It would rev hang AND rev up to redline in neutral. Electrical issues now and only 60k miles. This is my 3rd Ram, 1500, and have been debating on moving to 2500 but now thinking a Ford F250 after this debacle.

[@mitchparson1878]

This has been a development for a least 5 years in the making. I remember seeing a video on KZbin with a 4th gen Cummins truck being driven with this transmission in it. Nonetheless, very excited to see this and I feel it will bring the brand back up to where it needs to be with the other two. I personally think 8 is the sweet spot, I have the 10 speed in my work f550 and it never really knows where it wants to be.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I had heard rumours for years about an HD ZF kicking around but then I heard maybe Allison was kicking tires with Ram. either way the platform certainly needed an upgrade.

[@petek6522]

So they upgraded the transmission and fell short to match the other two brands and are still last in line on that part of the truck

[@MattChat56]

This is a good move for RAM. If they do this, refresh the look and update, up the standard pier a bit this should move back in the top spot (IMO)

[@parrott350]

Hoo ray Alex! Love whatever flavor ZF transmission come in! I have one in my Dodge Challenger behind the 6.4 Hemi, I have one in my Jeep Wrangler behind the 6.4 Hemi, and my Gladiator, even though its behind the pentastar. yeah I get it, that one is not as strong as the ZF 8 HD's but its great also. NOW the big question, do you think they will have a kit to let you put that Big ZF behind the Cummins 5.9? That would be awesome! I have been waiting years, trying to keep that that 48RE shifting smooth in my 05 Dodge Cummins. But I tell you, only four gears, it sure could use the ZF8 HD! Wouldn't that be great! No DEF and a ZF ! Nirvana! Awesome video's Alex, best regards chuck😁

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Chuck you have got a small collection of vehicles I see! But hey I agree the 8 speeds so far have been wonderful units for Chrysler/fiat. It would be very cool to put an 8 speed behind a 5.9 but you may need a little elbow grease to make that combo work lol

[@deepbludreams]

The ZF8 is full electrically controlled and needs alot of brains in the rest of the vehicle to work, It's likely possible to put the ZF8 phsyically inside a third gen ram but to get it to talk with the rest of the car may be next to impossible without getting the guts from a 4th or 5th gen ram

[@TheElderOne2003]

Hmm, figures. I finally break down and spend $70K on a new truck, and all of a sudden, HEY, we are upgrading the transmission to a new one.

[@raycoleman3183]

so, @ The Getty Adventures …please explain exactly what about the 68RFE is “holding back” the 6.7 Cummins. I realize the greater number of forward gear ratios the better the chance of finding an optimum ratio for a given load and road conditions. I have. 6.7 Cummins Ram and have towed extensively with it an 18ft HD trailer (est. 2700#) and loads there on up to about 6k additional wt. My routes have included flatlands and mountainous terrain in CO, AR, PA, TN etc. Never had any reason to think my eng/trans combo was deficient. Be interested your ‘reasoning’ to support your opinion. Before this truck, I had an ‘04 5.9 Cummins with a 4 speed Mopar automatic and towed with it extensively for 97xxx miles…no complaints. 0:17

[@Maxdubi]

That’s because you’ve only hauled 8,700lbs. Pull some more weight. That said 68rfe stock nowadays are not bad. RAM owners just beat on their trucks without doing proper maintenance unlike the other two, rarely see them hauling anything.

[@Maxdubi]

That’s because you’ve only hauled 8,700lbs. Pull some more weight. That said 68rfe stock nowadays are not bad. RAM owners just beat on their trucks without doing proper maintenance unlike the other two, rarely see them hauling anything.

[@nielsdybro9759]

ZF = Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen. I hope the dial knob transmission mode selector come with it. The big stick on the steering column was needed when the park function was cable operated. Now the mode selector only rotates an encoder disk, which requires no force of great magnitude. Silly to keep it around.

[@1gr8oil]

@nielsdybro9759..........I love the "ROTARY DIAL in my 2020 RAM REBEL!

[@ERJONI25]

Aisin in Cummins HD is a good option and pretty bulletproof

[@VHP7044]

Could just offer a durable 7 speed manual. No fuss no muss, reliable and simple.

[@zlt4lt4zz71]

If the price is under $55k😵 (being generous on the price mark🏷)on the Manuel trannny then okay but if it's any were over that no thank new generation new tech got get away from Manuel as fast as possible💯🤙🏽 especially paying over $70k+ on thise Diesel trucks gorgeous by the away on all of thise Diesel truck🤩🤩

[@TheGettyAdventures]

myself I would love it, but it would have to be a heavy clutch on there to hold all that torque. the fourth gen rams with the manuals actually cut torque from the cummins behind the clutch couldn't handle the power. But I think Ram knowns a manual is cool but probably would not sell and they would be at a loss developing it.

[@lauderdalechad]

Nobody would buy it.

[@VHP7044]

@@lauderdalechad people that need these trucks for their intended purpose would. I had a manual 94 that I hauled a case dozer and 416 cat all around the area. 225 k miles with same clutch and transmission. Unit was bulletproof. The auto transmission for work trucks are a solution looking for a problem.

[@lauderdalechad]

@@VHP7044 consumers have spoken loud and clear, maybe 10ppl out of 10,000 want a manual. Automatics do the job better, more efficient, and can handle way more power. Thousands of hot shot drivers with 300k miles plus on their stock autos are the proof. You, my friend, are a very very small minority that simply lives in the "good ol days" that weren't actually that good

[@JohnSmith-ev1sm]

Well the powerline is rated at 1000 lb/ft for 56k pounds, if the 3500 tops out at 35k maybe they can bump up the input torque spec accordingly? So those 2 ratings go hand and hand wouldn't they?

[@Lq32332]

Ya I was going to say ZF makes stronger transmissions in general. They know what they need to do to get the specs right.

[@F450FTW]

How is it rated for class 8 trucks but only handles 1000 lb-ft torque? Maybe I missed something?

[@privateer9181]

Im studying input tq now… it may be the torque converter that allows u to go beyond but im not sure

[@bigedmayra]

The Duke says, exactly. If it isn't designed to handle 1,000 ft lb of torque, what good is it? Sounds like it's an old design from the panzers in world war II. Oh and by the way, panzers can only drive a few miles before the transmission went out. The transmissions were terrible. Just saying. What did I teach you?

[@deepbludreams]

@@bigedmayra the Ford and GM 10 speed fail more often than the ZF8 does. Stop spreading ancient lore.

[@elitecarriers7151]

If Ram wants to change the heavy duty commercial truck market they need to build the following spec truck: - 5500 chassis - MegaCab cab configuration - 84 Cab to axle frame - non high output 6.7 Cummins engine that they are rotating out. This will be such a game changer for hot shot guys who buys loads of these trucks yearly.

[@karlconnell2486]

About time!

[@DarkHorse08]

10:31 These numbers are for a vehicle that are much heavier than the RAM HD. With the lighter weight of the RAM HD, the torque number will go up. @TheGettyAdventures

[@TheGettyAdventures]

It would make sense, I guess that 1000 lb-ft is a little more abstract but thats why I wanted to touch on it because I wasn't sure what the end result would be for the HO cummins.

[@DarkHorse08]

Did you look into it yet???? You might want to do another video about it. The ZF spec sheet is throwing a lot of people off. Class 5 trucks (as seen on the right side of the spec sheet) weight 16,001-19,500 pounds. RAM HD trucks are Class 2A at 6,001-8,500 pounds. That’s a huge difference. I’m sure there’s a formula that can give us the estimated torque numbers of the ZF under the RAM HD. 😉

[@DarkHorse08]

@@TheGettyAdventures👆🏾See my post above.

[@HoneyBadgerFarm]

There are hundreds of thousands 68RFEs that are flawless and have hauled millions of miles..

[@rodgood]

If you ignore the millions of failures in the 1989 and up previous gens that took them 20 years to fix . Heard of one ,million mile Cummins Dodge truck ,that was on its 9 th transmission .

[@Denis-tu1pd]

2025 ram cummins 450 horse and 1100 foot pounds of torque . There will only be one engine 450 horse across the board with one transmission across the board .

[@IshmaelNavarro]

Well said!! 👍

[@ClappedOutDieselPerformance]

Hey hey hey leave the failure transmissions to the 94-up the first gens were decent. Idk about that 727 but my A518 has given me 400K without an issue just fluid and filter changes.

[@Denis-tu1pd]

Ram has always been backwards .they give more gears for the gas engines that need to rev for power and less gears for the diesel that is agoveren lower rpm . In 03 diesel 4 speed gas 6 speed the diesel 6 speed gas 8 speed what was ram thinking .

[@cadenclark6301]

Not ragging on you or anything, but the 10 speed 10L1000 Allison branded trans didn’t get introduced until 2020 when they launched the new body style for gm.

[@jdksynthetics]

I am excited and I am willing to wait for a new work truck!

[@cnetate]

Too bad they don't see that they need to update the cab size. I have a 23 ford super duty ho and ram is going to have to do a lot to get me back. I love this truck

[@herculesinwyoming]

Tuning made my 68rfe a totally different experience

[@gamebredduramax71]

Slippity doo da

[@jack8u27]

My 68rfe got tuned at 5k miles and has lasted to 315k with very minimal problems. These transmissions do seem to hold up well if you do the tunes right.

[@spoolinsvt6489]

@@jack8u27 at factory power level or with some stuff done?

[@ThanksHero]

@@spoolinsvt6489 I have the original 68rfe in my 2014 with 172k miles. The truck is 2nd gen swapped and makes 750ish whp. Thrown a few codes but no serious issues...yet

[@jack8u27]

@@spoolinsvt6489 Power is hard to say, but I am running a hot-ish tune and an s366 turbo, so likely around 550 crank hp. I do a good mix of city highway and heavy pulling.

[@richb8061]

Great video. If it were not for this ZF coming out I was gonna drop my 3500 for an F-350. Reason being is that I just drove from North of Toronto, to Arizona… then up to Vancouver Island, and before I got to the ferry I lost the Trans…. Oh and it was the Aisin.. that damn K1 snap ring, input shaft BS.. I was only towing 12k So looking forward to the ZF

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Aisin letting you down wow - Haven't heard many issues with them but I'll have to look into this issue. Either way, I think this ZF should be a nice change.

[@richb8061]

@@TheGettyAdventures it’s a prob with the 2022 models. I actually had to find the TSB for the dealer, because they couldn’t figure it out. I fly back out and do the big drive back next month. I just hope the rebuild kit holds.

[@smiley3303]

Isn’t there a recall or TSB for that?

[@richb8061]

@@smiley3303 yes there is a TSB.

[@48AZ191REUEKEA]

The weak link is your right foot. Dial up 8 more pounds of boost on your tuner and step on the skinny pedal on the right.

[@JH-ev3qy]

I’d love to have this in a srw 3500 mega cab

[@kevinarnold3523]

Great Video!!

[@tonynimmons111]

I wish ram would build a truck as solid as the transmission it’s caring.

[@ThatOneVideo1]

I wish there was a manual more than anything for the cummins.

[@zlt4lt4zz71]

Minutes 12:13 about getting a code i think it shouldn't be much trouble dropping a transmission out of the truck then separating the cab and chassy like Ford to work on some parts of the engine so pulling down trannns no biggie lol that i straight forward process

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Lol fair enough.

[@dargaming379]

Damn it. I was still holding out a bit of hope for the Allison….a Cummins/Allison would’ve been the ultimate truck. And before anyone comes after me, yes, I know it was a rumor, but I still had that little bit of hope it was true

[@chris-zc7rp]

The zf are just as good if not better then allisons

[@mikeflaten6146]

IMO, they need to offer it with a 6-speed manual!

[@sw5334]

Woo hoo. Power wagon is back in the video.

[@LaurieNCooper]

Great info. 👍👍

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I had fun dipping into these ZF 8 speeds, especially the history!

[@JetTech1966]

On topic but a little off, I had the 8hp70 in a 2016 Charger SRT with the 392 engine. I still today claim that was the best transmission that ever existed. It was pure magic behind that 392 engine. I'm not a fan of Dodge HD's but damn, I might actually have to give them a look now because I love the cummins and the ZF tranny's!! It was always in the right gear, never hunted, nothing. Slam your foot to the floor and hang on for dear life....I loved that car for sure....lol...I beat the hell out of that car and it just asked for more...never a problem with it at all except for insurance costs. That's the only reason I got rid of it.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I personally think it was one of the best decisions chrysler/fiat made was start the relationship with ZF because their 8 speeds have been wonderful.

[@23cummins68rfe]

wonder if they would offer a manual transmission option in the zf cummins build ? id be all over that . zf sounds convincing in a few years for trade of the 68 price dont scare me , just give us the proper options to building our trucks

[@Slingshot277]

Zed F. Your the first murican who said it like that dealing with the zf trans.

[@chrisoconnor3119]

I believe he is Canadian

[@jeremymcnicol9585]

Not crazy about idea of removal of trans to replace some small part when it kicks a trans code

[@realcdcruze3558]

This what irritates me about buying an American truck. You rarely are buying an American truck. Yes it assembled in North America but you’ll find components from all over the world. Come on Detroit, make America great again!

[@ALMX5DP]

What from this video irritates you? Didnt he say that the transmission is built in South Carolina?

[@geardriven2018]

I think he's upset the bolts and things of that sort are possibly made in other countries ​@@ALMX5DP

[@michaelschneider-]

What moment in time was Detroit, MI great? .. Music you say? .. Agreed 1000%. ..

[@ottovonbismarck7094]

Detroit needs to get their shit together first! I will always buy American cars only but damn some of them need better QC

[@jeffreygoss8109]

@@michaelschneider-loved Motown

[@joeuscanga7235]

They need to make this transmissions application retroactive at least back to the 2019 year model. Even the HO Cummins will benefit by adding 2 more gears, without "De-fueling" in between shifts. The AISINS have a horrible shift pattern and feel. Just a straight swap with a 1000 HP tune from Dodge, with no "De-fuel" software, added to one of this ZF Tranys, will make big bucks for RAM and their dealer's shops.

[@MCatwar]

what are your thoughts on the aisin? our truck has it and it sucks. it might hold the power great, but the shifting is slushy and vague.

[@furion7040]

That sums that trans up. That's its normal operation. Shifts like shit but tows and holds power well.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I am really surprised you barely mentioned the aisin transmission that comes with the HO Cummins. I have a 2018 ram 3500 dually with 90k miles now, pulling a fifth wheel all over the us and canada. You never really said why is 8 speed better than the aisin 6speed. More is not necessarily better. Larry😊

[@lexustech48]

Id wager that the new transmissions sky high tow rating of 55K is certified reliable with 1000lbs or less of torque. Certify that trans for 40,000lbs and I bet you can bump the input torque rating up to 1100 or 1200 for the same durability.

[@aarons307]

Great news. But I don't understand why RAM would even put a PTO unit under a 2500. The 3500's, maybe. 4500 & 5500's sure. I'd expect a similiar version of the Powerline in the 2500 and 3500.

[@avioncamper]

Hope this new transmission is trouble free. Alex is so Canadian with the plaid shirt, lol...

[@seijirou302]

Just got out of a 21 Powerstroke because I just didn't like that 10 speed. Never owned a ram but I don't know, maybe I'll have to give them a look now.

[@stgraves260]

I don’t have anything against Allison Transmission. I think they are very good. I just don’t think people realize how many things ZF transmissions go into.

[@Spinnaker617]

Serios observation here. I don't understand why we're not manually shifting anymore. Why has pulling a load become so technical? My old 7.3 F-350 4X4 dually with a 6 speed manual did a fine job. I don't pull anymore and my old truck is long gone but is there just absolutely no market for a manual truck?

[@dustinryan9671]

There is no reason it's about money been trying get a manual older truck they are hard to find.

[@doolittlegeorge]

If you want a real truck just buy a Sport Chassis M2 Freightliner which may...or may not...come with stick shift(dual clutch.) That truly is something you can put millions of miles on but of course need to pay for that biggest problem still being Def Fluid and why I got out of trucking. Automatic transmission in an M2 is even more amazing and helps with keeping both hands on the wheel I think is the point...or why I chose to stick with an automatic Class 8 when I had one as a "temporary" anyways. Always hated Dodge Trucks because of the chassis with an horrific scandal of axles coming off back in the 1990s that never made the news before being sold to I think Mercedes-Benz back in the 1990s who didn't do all that much to fix the problem. Looking at these massive machines though and it would appear that issue has at least been seriously addressed anyways. This transmission combined with a straight 6 Dodge is also coming out with could really shock GM and Ford at how robust these massive machines are compared to their offerings. Everyone is starting to feel the pressure from pure play BEV full size trucks suddenly and yes they have zero transmission and yes they have instant torque to go with that. Plus the Cybertruck for as long as it stays in production is an actual Tank so trust me if you just happen upon one it will amaze just to try and put a dent into...plus is all stainless steel. #crazy having said that pure play ICE Platform remains super competitive with also Toyota and Nissan having full size though no heavy duty...all with automatic transmissions very true. Wouldn't be surprised to see a return to a manual if pricing pressures start to get really intense tho as is already true in the F150, 1500 for GM and Dodge, Tundra, Titan even Honda is making an 8 cylinder outboard motor for boats. I think the point of these transmissions is to produce massive amounts of low end torque in the meantime and also relatively okay fuel economy. One huge advantage of high displacement engines over where the industry except Ford and GM have gone is that heavy displacement actually produces far less emissions as it operates at much low rpms. If that's enough to get rid of the crazy engine killing Def monster might be worth ... half of what is currently asked anyways..

[@Denis-tu1pd]

The 10 speed in the gm trucks was a joint venture with ford .when the zf 8 speed transmission comes out there will be only one output cummi s. It will be 450 hp 1100 foot pounds of torque .ram doesnt have enough clean air credits for more power .