What kind of transmission does a Dodge Ram 2500 take?
The Ram 2500’s transmission varies by year, engine and trim. In current models, the truck nearly always relies on a heavy‑duty automatic, with the exact gear count and supplier tied to the powertrain. Manual options are largely a thing of the past for this line.
To understand what transmission a specific Ram 2500 has, it’s important to consider the model year and engine. Over the decades, Dodge (now Ram) shifted from manual options and smaller automatics to modern, heavy‑duty automatics designed for high torque and towing. Below is a guide to the typical configurations you’ll encounter across generations.
Transmission options by engine and generation
Below is a high‑level overview of what has been commonly offered on Ram 2500 pickups across gasoline and diesel configurations, noting that exact specs can vary by year, market, and trim.
- Gasoline engines (such as the 5.7L Hemi and 6.4L Hemi) have historically used automatic transmissions, shifting from 5‑ to 6‑speed units in older generations and moving toward modern 8‑speed automatics in more recent models to improve efficiency and towing performance.
- Diesel engines (the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel) use a heavy‑duty automatic designed to handle high torque and demanding towing, with most generations featuring a robust 6‑speed unit in earlier years and continued heavy‑duty automation in later trucks.
- Manual transmissions were offered on some very early Ram 2500 models, but they are not part of current production and are rarely found in the modern lineup.
Understanding the exact transmission for a particular Ram 2500 requires checking the specific year and engine combination, as well as the vehicle’s build sheet or owner documentation.
How to verify the exact transmission in your Ram 2500
If you want to confirm the precise transmission on a given Ram 2500, use these steps to verify the installation details.
- Check the vehicle’s original window sticker or owner’s manual for the listed transmission type and gear count.
- Consult the vehicle’s VIN using Ram/Chrysler’s official data tools or your dealership to retrieve the factory transmission code.
- Inspect the transmission pan and identify any model numbers or tags on the unit itself, then cross‑reference with service literature or a dealer.
By confirming the year, engine, and transmission code, you’ll know whether your Ram 2500 uses a 6‑speed, 8‑speed, or another heavy‑duty automatic configuration.
Maintenance notes and practical considerations
Maintenance intervals and fluid specifications differ by transmission type. If you’re towing heavy loads or operating in harsh conditions, follow the manufacturer’s service schedule and use the recommended fluid type. For diesel‑equipped trucks, the transmission may be paired with a torque‑rich engine and a cooler system to sustain performance under load.
In short, today’s Dodge Ram 2500s predominantly rely on a heavy‑duty automatic transmission, with the exact setup dictated by the engine and model year. For a precise answer, verify the specific configuration on the vehicle in question.
Summary: The Ram 2500’s transmission has evolved from older manual and smaller automatics to modern heavy‑duty automatics. Across generations, gasoline variants have moved from 5– or 6‑speed units to contemporary 8‑speed automatics, while diesel versions use a robust 6‑speed automatic engineered for torque and towing. Always check the exact year and engine to confirm the transmission installed on a given truck.
How much is a transmission for a Ram 2500?
The best part is, our Ram 2500 Remanufactured Automatic Transmissions start from as little as $2,257.99. When it comes to your Ram 2500, you want parts and products from only trusted brands.
Is the 68RFE transmission good or bad?
The 68RFE transmission is considered good for daily driving and light-to-moderate towing but is weak when modified or subjected to heavy-duty use. It is known for potential issues like overheating, torque converter shudder, and clutch failure, especially with heavy loads or engine power increases. However, with proper, frequent maintenance, upgrades like an aftermarket cooler, and careful driving habits, the transmission can be reliable for many miles.
Good aspects
- Reliable for stock use: In a stock application, it performs well for daily driving and light towing.
- Efficient power distribution: Its design handles high-torque demands and distributes power effectively, especially when towing.
- Adaptive learning: The powertrain control module's ability to adapt to driving habits can contribute to long-term efficiency.
- Upgrade potential: With appropriate upgrades, it can be made very robust.
Bad aspects
- Weaknesses: It is prone to failure due to overheating, especially when towing heavy loads or in hot weather.
- Clutch issues: Overdrive and 4C clutches are common points of failure, often exacerbated by heavy towing or high horsepower.
- Valve body problems: Some factory issues, like low line pressure and problems with the switch valve, can lead to failures.
- Shortened lifespan: Heavy towing, modifications, and poor maintenance significantly reduce its lifespan, which can be as low as 120,000–160,000 miles.
This video explains the pros and cons of the 68RFE transmission in different applications: 59sFirepunk LLC YouTube · Aug 22, 2019
Recommendations
- For stock use: Keep up with frequent and regular maintenance to maximize its lifespan.
- For heavy use: It is highly recommended to install upgrades like a transmission thermostat delete, a more robust aftermarket cooler, and stronger clutches.
- For those who tow heavily: Be aware of the transmission's limitations and consider built options or an alternative transmission if your truck is frequently used for heavy hauling.
- Avoid aggressive tuning: Significant horsepower increases can cause premature failure unless the transmission is upgraded to handle the extra power.
What trucks have the 68RFE transmission?
The 68RFE transmission is primarily found in Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, from the 2007.5 model year through at least the 2025 model year. It is also used in some other Chrysler/Ram vehicles, though the truck applications are the most common association.
Ram trucks with the 68RFE
- Ram 2500 and 3500: This is the most common application for the 68RFE, specifically models with the 6.7L Cummins engine.
- Model years: 2007.5 through at least 2025.
- Ram 4500 and 5500: Some chassis cab models also used this transmission.
- Note: While this transmission is also found in some other Chrysler/Dodge vehicles like the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, its prominent use is in the heavy-duty Ram trucks.
What transmission does the Ram 2500 use?
A Ram 2500 can have different transmissions depending on the engine, year, and model. For the 6.7L Cummins diesel, the 6-speed 68RFE automatic transmission was common, though some newer models received the ZF 8-speed automatic. The gasoline versions are equipped with an 8-speed 8HP75-LCV automatic transmission.
Transmission options by engine
This video discusses the different transmission options in the Ram 2500: 57sAuto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosYouTube · Jun 8, 2025
- 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel:
- Previous models: Primarily the 6-speed 68RFE automatic.
- 2025 and newer: The ZF 8-speed automatic is standard on all diesel models.
- Gasoline (6.4L Hemi V8):
- 8-speed 8HP75-LCV automatic: This is the standard automatic transmission for the gasoline powertrain.
- Manual transmissions:
- Previous models: Some older models, particularly those with the 5.9L Cummins, were available with 6-speed manual options like the NV5600 or G56.
How to find your specific transmission
- Check the VIN: The most accurate way to determine your truck's exact transmission is to call a Chrysler dealership with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), say Reddit users.
- Visually inspect the engine bay: Some transmissions have distinct features that can be identified visually, such as the placement of the transmission dipstick.
