nvr-enuf

Hello everyone,

Starting to think about the next truck, currently own a 2004.5 2500 quad long box.

I desire a mega cab longhorn in which I will have to make it an 8' bed due to the goose neck trailer.

Did they make a LongHorn in 2010?
Assuming not, what is the differnce between a 2011 Ram diesel and a 2012 ram diesel? I assume there are numerous differnences, I am looking for the major differences such as Hp / Torque / MPG / Auto Trans / emissions systems / etc.

Thanks
Scott

Jim W

I do not think the 2011MY and the 2012MY are that much different maybe some slight trim options and content changes but not many.

The big difference is in the 2013MY where Ram has made major changes with the pick-ups. The pick-up trucks now offer three different transmissions, different HP/TQ engines depending on transmission, major Diff changes on the SRW trucks (3:42 gear set standard no other option) and frame changes to the 3500HD truck. The 2013MY trucks have changed the emissions system now by offering DEF as standard. I also believe the lighting package has changed along with a factory tow package being offered.
Jim W.

SOhappy

About half-way through 2011 they upped the tq and hp and slapped a high output emblem on the tailgate on auto trans models. Some report they tightened up the torque converter as well. So, the HO 2011s & 2012s might be a "better" truck in that regard if you're going with the auto. No difference in MPGs.

nvr-enuf

Did the early 2011 manuals have a higher torque than the early autos?

SOhappy

Nope, you'd have to go clear back to 2003 to find manuals rated higher than autos if I remember correctly.

nvr-enuf

I did some checking on the internet and it seems if you purchased a 2012 Diesel with an automatic then the torque was 800 ftlbs where as the manual was offered with 610 ftlbs. Does anyone know if the unloaded MPG of a 2012 2500 crew 4x4 w/ 3:42 final drive compared to a the same truck with a manual with the same 3:42 final drive?

Is there a rule of thumb of expected MPG?

I currently have a 2004.5 2500 4x4 wtih an auto and when comparing against a 2003 the rule of thumb is that the 2003 will get at least 1mpg better than an 2004 / 2005.

I am just interested to know if some type of expectation is known by members for the 2012 trucks.

While I like auto's, I really think a manual would be nice to own, hopefully more robust than an auto when paired with a really good HD clutch. Thanks for your responses.

Crabjoe

If you're interested in MPG, you'll be disappointed with the 6.7 emissions equipped trucks when compared to your '04.

EGR produces a ton of Soot and depending on how heavy you carry or pull, or what kind of driving you do, you might be burning lots of fuel in the DPF. Check around and you'll find a lot of people wishing they had never given up their 5.9 for a 6.7.

With that said, a 3.42 in a manual is like having 3.73s with an auto... You need to look at the transmissions gearing and you'll see why. For example, 6th gear on a G56 is .74 where the 68RFE is .63.

SOhappy

In my opinion it's well worth putting up with the 6.7 in order to get the 68RFE, crew cab (vs. quad), comfy seats, nicer interior, less NVH, longer-lasting front end parts, exhaust brake, etc.

nvr-enuf

Here is a pretty straight forward question - could you get a manual with the longhorn interior package?

Regarding auto's, when was the Aisan tranny available and did they offer a second auto?

Jim W

The Aisin was offered since 07.5MY with the 6.7L engine in the C&C trucks. From 07.5MY to the 2012MY trucks the only auto offered was the 68RFE transmission. The first time for the pick-ups to offer two different auto's was in 2013MY and only in the 3500HD models. The two autos transmission are the 68RFE and the Aisin 6 sped.

As far as the Longhorn package I do not know for the older years but the 2013MY seems not to offer the manual transmission in the Longhorn package with a diesel engine.

Jim W.

tbarbee1

I second this!

nvr-enuf

So the 68RFE is produced by Aisin?

SOhappy

No, the 68RFE is an in-house Chrysler product made in the USA. Seems to be a fine one at that (compared to the old 47/48RE).