When did Dodge start using Allison transmissions?
Dodge began using Allison automatic transmissions in select heavy‑duty and commercial Dodge/Ram models during the late 1990s, but they were not standard equipment across the entire Dodge light‑duty lineup. The arrangement was primarily limited to heavy‑duty and chassis‑cab configurations, often in fleet‑oriented applications.
A timeline of Dodge’s use of Allison transmissions
Below is a concise look at how and when Allison transmissions appeared in Dodge/ Ram offerings. The entries reflect known deployments in heavy‑duty and commercial variants, with more common consumer pickups relying on other suppliers.
- Late 1990s: Allison transmissions began appearing in some Ram heavy‑duty configurations with Cummins diesel options, particularly in fleet and commercial applications rather than standard consumer trims.
- Early 2000s: Availability persisted on select Ram 2500/3500 models and chassis‑cab variants used by fleets, again as a specialized option rather than a universal fit.
- Mid to late 2000s: Allison transmissions remained an option for certain Ram heavy‑duty/commercial builds in some markets, while most consumer Ram pickups continued to use Chrysler/Fiat‑developed automatics (47RE/48RE/68RFE family and related transmissions).
In short, Dodge’s adoption of Allison transmissions occurred in a targeted, model‑by‑model basis rather than as a blanket change across the brand.
Which Dodge models were involved?
To understand where Allison appeared, it helps to distinguish between Dodge’s heavy‑duty and commercial offerings and its standard consumer pickups. The following categories are where Allison transmissions have been reported in the Dodge/Ram lineup, typically under fleet or specialty configurations.
- Ram heavy‑duty pickup trucks (such as 2500/3500) in certain years and trims equipped with Cummins diesel engines, where an Allison transmission was offered as an alternative to Chrysler’s own automatics.
- Ram chassis cab and medium‑duty variants (e.g., 4500/5500) used in commercial applications, where Allison transmissions have been more common as a supplier option.
These deployments were largely driven by fleet requirements and regional availability, rather than a broad, consumer‑grade rollout across Dodge’s traditional pickup lineup.
Current status and broader context
Today, the Ram lineup—while it traces its roots to Dodge—has evolved under Stellantis. Allison transmissions still serve as a key option for certain heavy‑duty and commercial configurations in the broader truck market, but they are not the default choice for Ram’s standard consumer pickups. In practice, most Ram 2500/3500 consumer configurations rely on transmissions developed in‑house or sourced from other suppliers, with Allison appearing in specific, fleet‑oriented builds or regions.
Summary
In summary, Dodge began offering Allison automatic transmissions in the late 1990s, but only for particular heavy‑duty and commercial Ram configurations rather than as a universal feature across the entire Dodge/Ram lineup. Over time, the presence of Allison shifts depended on model type, engine choice, and fleet needs, while the core consumer Ram trucks continued to rely on other transmission options. For enthusiasts and buyers, this means Allison transmissions were never the default in Dodge’s mainstream light‑duty pickups, remaining instead a targeted option in specialized applications.
Did Dodge ever have Allison transmission?
GM, Ford and Dodge commercial trucks were the first to offer vehicles with this transmission. 1969: Allison announces the new four-speed AT540, the first automatic transmission for medium-duty trucks.
Does RAM use Allison transmission?
Built for high torque and power, it can significantly improve your vehicle's performance and towing capacity. Allison transmissions provide superior heat management, which is crucial for the longevity of your Dodge Ram's transmission.
What years did Dodge Ram have bad transmissions?
The 2012-2016 and 2018 Dodge Ram 2500s have developed a reputation for chronic reliability issues that you should avoid. These models suffer from severe problems like brake system failures, faulty steering components, turbocharger breakdowns, and transmission defects.
What truck has Cummins engine and Allison transmission?
In addition to the Kenworth T880, the Kenworth L770, Peterbilt 567 and 520 can all be ordered with the Allison 4500 and Cummins X15N combination. For more information on Allison Transmission's fuel-agnostic solutions, visit AllisonTransmission.com.
