Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins Transmission Guide (68RFE vs AS69RC)

Ram 3500 trucks with the 6.7L Cummins came with either the 68RFE or the Aisin AS69RC depending on trim. They are very different transmissions. Heres which you have and what it means.

Related 68RFE guides

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Year-by-year trans options

2007.5-2012 Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins:

  • 68RFE (Standard Output)
  • ~750 ft-lb stock rating

    • 2013+ Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins SO:

  • 68RFE (Standard Output 6.7L)
  • ~750 ft-lb stock rating

    • 2013+ Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins HO:

  • Aisin AS69RC (High Output 6.7L only)
  • 850-900 ft-lb stock rating
  • Only available on HO trim

    • How to identify which you have

    Quick checks:

  • Window sticker showed High Output? = AS69RC
  • Mega Cab dually with max tow? = often AS69RC
  • Single Rear Wheel Crew Cab? = usually 68RFE
  • VIN decoder lookup confirms

    • Underneath check:

  • 68RFE pan: ~22 bolts, stamped steel
  • AS69RC pan: 16 bolts, cast aluminum (often)

    • 68RFE strengths and weaknesses

    Strengths:

  • Mopar-built, dealer everywhere
  • Lower parts cost
  • More aftermarket options
  • Cheaper rebuild
  • ATF+4 fluid (cheap, available)

    • Weaknesses:

  • TCC clutch wears faster
  • 5th sun shell fails on tuned trucks
  • OD drum cracks on HP
  • Read our 68RFE common failures

    • AS69RC strengths and weaknesses

    Strengths:

  • Aisin-built reliability
  • HD-design from factory
  • Better tow shift logic
  • Higher torque rating
  • Read our Aisin AS69RC guide

    • Weaknesses:

  • Higher service cost (AS68RC fluid expensive)
  • Less aftermarket support
  • Solenoid pack expensive
  • Internal harness fails (similar to 68RFE)

    • Fluid spec - CRITICAL

    68RFE:

  • ATF+4 ONLY
  • ~17 quarts
  • $100-$160 full service

    • AS69RC:

  • AS68RC ONLY (Mopar spec, despite name)
  • ~17 quarts
  • $450-$600 full service (3x more than ATF+4)
  • NOT ATF+4 - causes failure

    • What kills each transmission fastest

    68RFE failure cascade:

  • Tune adds 200-400 ft-lb
  • TCC clutch slip begins
  • Slip = heat = clutch wear
  • Then sun shell or OD drum failure
  • Catastrophic at 100k-150k miles tuned

    • AS69RC failure cascade:

  • Service interval skipped
  • Burnt fluid coats solenoids
  • Solenoid pack failure
  • Internal harness failure
  • Longer-lasting overall (150k-200k tuned)

    • Tuning limits

    68RFE limits:

  • Stock truck: 500 ft-lb tune OK
  • 500-700 ft-lb: HD upgrades needed
  • 700+ ft-lb: full HD rebuild required
  • Limit ~900 ft-lb even HD-built

    • AS69RC limits:

  • Stock truck: 900 ft-lb tune OK
  • 900-1100 ft-lb: HD upgrades needed
  • 1100+ ft-lb: full HD rebuild + custom build
  • Highest limit of any Cummins auto stock

    • Rebuild cost

    68RFE rebuild:

  • Stock: $3,000-$4,500
  • HD: $4,500-$7,000
  • Race: $7,000-$10,000

    • AS69RC rebuild:

  • Stock: $4,500-$7,000
  • HD: $7,000-$11,000
  • Race: $11,000-$15,000
  • Higher than 68RFE due to parts cost

    • HD upgrade options

    68RFE HD parts:

  • HD billet sun shell ($200-$400)
  • HD billet OD drum ($400-$700)
  • HD direct clutches ($150-$300)
  • HD converter (triple-disc) ($1,200-$2,000)

    • AS69RC HD parts:

  • SunCoast HD valve body kit ($1,500-$2,500)
  • HD torque converter ($1,400-$2,500)
  • Limited HD billet options

    • Service intervals

    68RFE:

  • Stock: 60k miles
  • Tow: 30k miles
  • Tuned tow: 20k miles

    • AS69RC:

  • Stock: 60k miles
  • Tow: 30k miles
  • Tuned: 25k miles

    • Service cost per year (estimated tow use)

    68RFE annual:

  • Service: $300
  • Reserve for rebuild ($100/year if you tune): $400 total

    • AS69RC annual:

  • Service: $700
  • Less rebuild reserve needed: $700 total

    • Net AS69RC costs more upfront and yearly but lasts longer

    Choosing between Ram 3500 SO and HO when buying

    Pick SO (68RFE) if:

  • Light-to-moderate tow (under 18,000 lbs)
  • Cost-sensitive ownership
  • Plan to keep stock or mild tune
  • Lower upfront purchase price

    • Pick HO (AS69RC) if:

  • Heavy tow (18,000+ lbs regularly)
  • Commercial / fleet use
  • Tuning enthusiast
  • Want longest reliability
  • Have budget for higher service cost

    • Resale value

    68RFE in stock truck:

  • Standard resale
  • Tuned without HD: -$3,000-$8,000

    • AS69RC truck:

  • Premium resale ($3,000-$8,000 above SO)
  • HD records add more

    • Need Ram 3500 6.7L transmission rebuild parts? Shop our catalogs: 68RFE | AS69RC. Master kits, HD upgrades, HD converters. Free shipping over $70.

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