2013 ho
 

I wonder why we can only get the higher HP-torque engine & trans. in the 3500 for 2013? Does this mean only dual wheel trucks or can we get a single rear wheel 4x4 with the higher HP and torque. If I buy a new truck I want a 2500. I've always been told that the only difference in the two was springs. Any thoughts?

This is a guess only, but I think the '13 model was rushed. Because it was rushed, Ram went with only offering all the goodies (new frame, new front suspension and 850/Aisin option) on the 3500. I have a feeling that once MY '14 hits, these changes will trickle down to the 2500 models.

If you think about it, it really makes no sense to build 2 separate trucks that, from the outside, look the same. It's can't be cost effective in an assembly line situation.

BTW, I've heard you can get the 850/Aisin combo on the SRW 3500 and that MY '13 will have a very short run. The dealer up the street from me thought MY '13 might only go a few months before they all become MY '14 models.

I'd say it would be a short run...considering they aren't out yet and they've already essentially gone through half of a traditional model year. I'd say by June 2013 you'll be able to get a MY'14.

I was kind of disappointed in the HO option only being in the 3500, but since my wife already has a 3500 SRW, I'm not opposed to getting another if it has the HO option.

All that sounds right to me. I can't see having three different HP engines & trans. Can you see in a few years asking the parts guy for a part.

Well....the 03s had three different trannys and two different flavors of diesel engine, but yeah by '04 that was down to two trannys and two different power ratings- I believe it was that way ever since (except '07 when they switched to the 6.7 mid-year). Plus they've been running an entirely different auto trans and emissions on the cab & chassis the past 5 years, so it's no unheard of. Can you imagine them dumping the 67RFE for 2014 and going Asin across the board (so all the CTDs would have the same power rating)? I don't know about that, I guess it's possible, but still...

I still have my 06 so I don't have any experience with either of the new trans. Any thought on which one is holding up the best? I would think since Dodge is putting the asin behind the HO it is the best.

No idea if one is stronger and/or more efficient than the other. But I do know that the Aisin has a PTO, which the 68FRE doesn't. The addition of the PTO still doesn't explain why the Aisin equipped gets more power, unless that tranny is less efficient or is just a stronger tranny. Even if the Aisin was stronger, it still doesn't mean the 68FRE isn't more then capable to handle the new HO motor. People with tuners already run more power then the '13 HO, with then 68FRE, with no issues....

The which is better ... 68FRE or AISIN is a question we will probably never know, since it seem both are more then capable, with what these trucks are already putting out.

Personally, I'd rather have the AISIN.... And it's because in my Jeep XJ, I abused the crap out of the AW4 and never a problem, and I'd love to have a PTO generator in a truck.

hate to say it but i suspect if they do stremline down from 3 engine and tranny combos that the 6spd manual will be short for this world they refuse to up its power and refuse to put a cltuch and tranny in to hold it.


shame really. id be in tomorrow ordering a 370/850 manual tranny (dual disc clutch of corse) larimie SRW if they'd offer it.

all id have to upgrade would be manual hubs and ball joints whent hey finally went out

also suspect the 271 is going away in favor of the 273 which im not a fan of either. ive had mroe than one instance of a 273 not totally engaging in low range then banging in