Dodge Ram Transmissions

The Dodge G360, also known as the Getrag G360, is a 5-speed manual transmission produced by the Getrag Corporation for Dodge Ram trucks, particularly those with Cummins diesel engines, from 1989 to 1993. This German-designed transmission was chosen for its compatibility with the high-torque output of the Cummins engine. It features an aluminum case and a cast iron top cover, contributing to its sturdy yet lightweight construction. The G360 is appreciated for its direct shift feel and the fuel efficiency benefits provided by its overdrive fifth gear. However, like any mechanical component, it requires proper care and maintenance to sustain its performance over the long haul and to mitigate common issues such as gear noise or synchronizer wear.

The 47RE is a 4-speed automatic, electronically controlled transmission produced by Chrysler Corporation and used predominantly in Dodge Ram trucks from the mid-1990s to early 2000s. It evolved from the 46RH, with the major change being its shift from hydraulic to electronic controls, denoted by the "E" in its name. This allows the transmission shifts to be controlled by the vehicle's computer, offering smoother and more efficient shifting. It retains the robust torque capacity of 700 (indicated by the "7" in its name), making it a popular choice for heavy-duty applications such as towing and hauling. Despite its enhanced capabilities, like any mechanical component, it requires regular maintenance and can develop problems over time, including issues with the solenoids, torque converter, and gear shifting.

The 47RH is a 4-speed automatic transmission produced by the Chrysler Corporation, primarily used in Dodge Ram trucks in the mid-1990s. It's a variant of the earlier 46RH, with a key enhancement being the increase in torque capacity to 700, as indicated by the '7' in its name. The 'RH' denotes Rear-wheel drive, Hydraulically controlled, meaning its shifting is managed via hydraulic pressure, unlike its successor, the 47RE, which uses electronic controls. This transmission retains the overdrive unit for improved fuel economy at lower engine RPMs during highway speeds, and has an internal torque converter for maximizing engine torque under full load. It is generally durable, capable of withstanding heavy-duty applications, and appreciated for its smooth operation, though regular maintenance is crucial to prevent common issues like overdrive failure, fluid leaks, or torque converter problems.

The Dodge NV4500, or New Venture 4500, is a heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission used in Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 series trucks from 1992 to 2005. Produced by New Venture Gear, a joint venture between Chrysler and General Motors, the NV4500 was primarily matched with V8 gas engines and the renowned 5.9L Cummins diesel engine. The transmission's name, "NV4500," signifies its capability, with the "4500" suggesting its high torque rating. The NV4500 is widely respected for its robustness, with its cast iron case and strong gear design enabling it to handle heavy-duty tasks efficiently. It also features an overdrive fifth gear, which enhances fuel economy during highway driving. Despite its rugged construction, proper maintenance is essential to prolong its service life and prevent common mechanical issues.

The Dodge NV5600 is a heavy-duty 6-speed manual transmission built by New Venture Gear, used predominantly in Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 series trucks equipped with the Cummins diesel engine from 1998 to 2005. The NV5600 was designed to handle the increased torque of the diesel engine, providing enhanced performance and fuel efficiency, especially for towing and hauling heavy loads. The "NV5600" nomenclature indicates its manufacturer (New Venture) and its high torque capacity. With its additional gear and a direct-drive fifth gear, the NV5600 offered better gear selection options and an overdrive for fuel-efficient highway driving. Its cast iron case and large helical gears contribute to its strength and durability. However, like all mechanical components, the NV5600 requires regular maintenance to maximize its lifespan and performance.

The 48RE is a robust, 4-speed automatic transmission developed by the Chrysler Corporation, designed primarily for heavy-duty Dodge Ram trucks from the early 2000s. As an enhanced version of the 47RE, it was constructed with several upgrades to support the higher torque output of the Cummins turbodiesel and V10 gasoline engines. A significant aspect of this 48RE version is the Throttle Valve Cable (TVC), a mechanical component used for regulating hydraulic pressure to control shift timing and quality, improving the overall performance of the transmission. The TVC provides a direct link between the throttle position and transmission shifting, allowing for smoother and more responsive gear changes. While the 48RE is recognized for its durability and capability to manage high torque applications, regular maintenance is still essential to prevent common issues such as band failure, transmission fluid leaks, and torque converter problems.

The 48RE is a 4-speed automatic, electronically controlled transmission built by the Chrysler Corporation for use predominantly in heavy-duty Dodge Ram trucks from 2003 onwards. An evolution of the 47RE, it was engineered with numerous upgrades to handle the increased torque output of the Cummins turbodiesel and V10 gasoline engines. One of the key features of the 48RE is its Throttle Valve Actuator (TVA), an electronically controlled servo that replaced the mechanical throttle valve linkage in earlier models. The TVA is responsible for regulating the hydraulic pressure used to control shift timing and quality, improving the transmission's overall performance. This transmission is known for its ruggedness and ability to handle high torque applications, but it still requires regular maintenance to keep it functioning optimally and to prevent common issues such as solenoid failure, transmission fluid leaks, and torque converter problems.

The 68RFE is a 6-speed automatic transmission developed by the Chrysler Corporation for use in Dodge Ram trucks, particularly those equipped with Cummins diesel engines, starting in 2007. The nomenclature "68RFE" represents its key attributes: "6" stands for six forward gears, "8" denotes its relative torque capacity on a scale from 1 to 9, "R" indicates rear-wheel drive, and "FE" stands for fully electronic control system. The 68RFE transmission is a robust design that includes three planetary gear sets and a unique gear ratio for optimized drivability and fuel efficiency. It also features a unique 'selectable' tow/haul mode, designed to handle heavier loads and reduce gear hunting when towing. While this transmission is highly durable for standard driving and light towing, regular maintenance is key to prolonging its lifespan and preventing common issues.

The Dodge G56 transmission, produced by Mercedes-Benz, is a 6-speed manual transmission used in Dodge Ram trucks from 2005 onwards. It was introduced as a replacement for the earlier NV5600 and comes standard on the Ram 2500 and 3500 models equipped with the Cummins diesel engine. The G56, with its additional gear, provides a more diverse range of speeds for optimized fuel efficiency and performance, especially when towing or hauling heavy loads. The transmission features an aluminum case for lighter weight and an integral bell housing for increased powertrain stiffness. Despite its advanced design and functionality, the G56 still requires regular maintenance and care to prevent common mechanical issues and to prolong its service life.

The Chrysler 727 TorqueFlite transmission, a stalwart of Chrysler's lineup from the 1960s to the 1980s, is a three-speed automatic gearbox renowned for its robustness and reliability. Originally designed for performance and luxury vehicles, it became a popular choice in a wide range of Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth models, including trucks and muscle cars. The TorqueFlite 727 is highly regarded for its smooth shifting and ability to handle high torque outputs, making it a favorite among enthusiasts for racing and heavy-duty applications. Its hydraulic control system, combined with a torque converter, provided a significant improvement in acceleration and efficiency over earlier models. Despite its age, the 727 remains a popular transmission for restoration and modification projects due to its simplicity and strength.

The 46RE, also known as the A518, is a four-speed automatic transmission developed by Chrysler, used in a variety of their vehicles from the early 1990s to the mid-2000s. It's essentially an evolution of the earlier A727 transmission, with the addition of electronic controls and an overdrive gear. The 46RE was primarily used in rear-wheel-drive vehicles and was often paired with larger V8 engines, including those in trucks, SUVs, and performance cars. Its design features a hydraulic control system for shifting and includes an electronically controlled overdrive, which improved fuel efficiency and performance. The transmission was lauded for its robustness in standard driving conditions and became a popular choice in the Chrysler lineup for its versatility and reliability.

The 69RFE is an automatic transmission developed by Aisin, primarily used in Ram heavy-duty trucks, especially those equipped with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine. Introduced in the late 2000s, this six-speed transmission is an evolution of the earlier 68RFE, designed to handle increased power and torque outputs. It features enhanced gear ratios that offer improved towing capabilities and fuel efficiency. The 69RFE incorporates a sophisticated electronic control system, which optimizes shift patterns for better performance under varying load conditions. Its design focuses on balancing the demands of daily driving and heavy-duty applications, making it a common choice for those requiring a durable and versatile transmission for work or recreational towing.