New Ram Details! 8 speed auto!

[acadianbob]

Thought some of you might be interested in this.

8 speed autos will be prevalent in the next couple of years.

Ram truck gets new V6, eight-speed transmission - Autoweek

Bob

[Capsfloyd]

Glad to hear it . Mine is a 09 crewcab , it has the lifetime power train , then I paid 1800 for maxcare bumper to bumper with 100 deductible

Dodge is going to regret giving this out on the 09's ... Mine has 142,000 ..no major problems ..knock on wood ..

[SaskCampers]

Lots of talk on this subject on the Dodge forums. THe 8 speed will only be in the 1/2 tons and the HD Rams are finally getting a version of the 68RFE that is behind the diesel seeing as how it and the 545RFE are basically the same tranny except the 545 got saddled with that stupid 2 second gear foolishness. Now the Hemi tranny is the 66RFE and is actually a 6 speed. It will be interesting to see how that 8 speed works out in the 1/2 tons as it should finally be able to keep that bad boy in it's power band.

[RattVader]

Wow 8-speed Auto.I'm not sure what model is in my '08 CTD but it is a 6-speed Auto. I've never had any issues or quirkiness with it and with the tow/haul and exhuast brake on it's a real pleasure to drive,and decent mileage to boot.Would additional gearing add more mpg overall in the towing mode?

[shineysideup]

Originally Posted by TheSasks

Lots of talk on this subject on the Dodge forums. THe 8 speed will only be in the 1/2 tons and the HD Rams are finally getting a version of the 68RFE that is behind the diesel seeing as how it and the 545RFE are basically the same tranny except the 545 got saddled with that stupid 2 second gear foolishness. Now the Hemi tranny is the 66RFE and is actually a 6 speed. It will be interesting to see how that 8 speed works out in the 1/2 tons as it should finally be able to keep that bad boy in it's power band.

From what I've read, the 8 speed is only going to be with 6 cylinder... I hope it comes with the hemi also, that would be some real progress...

[SimchaSabre]

I ordered my 2012 HD Hemi Outdoorsman last July and was surprised when showed up with the six speed. I don't have anything to compare it to since this is my first ever truck, but it did help boost the towing cap to 13,950 lbs and I think it also contributes to is 21-22 MPG at 60 mph and that is with the 4:10.

When the new Sabre shows up in about a week I'll be able test it out on that. My guess is the MPG will be less!

[kandl]

Originally Posted by TheSasks

...the 545 got saddled with that stupid 2 second gear foolishness.

Referred to by Chrysler engineering as 2 Prime - designed as a part throttle ratio change between 1st and 3rd for improved acceleration at low speeds.

Originally Posted by TheSasks

Now the Hemi tranny is the 66RFE and is actually a 6 speed.

The reprogrammed 545RFE is the 65RFE - the so-called 6-speed. Gearing is the same with both trannys - they simply incorporated 2 Prime into the upshift program.

Indeed, the 8-speed will be a game changer.

[SaskCampers]

Originally Posted by kandl

Referred to by Chrysler engineering as 2 Prime - designed as a part throttle ratio change between 1st and 3rd for improved acceleration at low speeds.



The reprogrammed 545RFE is the 65RFE - the so-called 6-speed. Gearing is the same with both trannys - they simply incorporated 2 Prime into the upshift program.

Indeed, the 8-speed will be a game changer.

The 68RFE and 66RFE automatic transmissions for Ram trucks


65RFE, 66RFE and 68RFE differences explained - Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, and related cars and trucks


Yes the 8 speed will be good if it is reliable, too bad there is no firm date for Hemi models. If you read what I said, I specifically said the 66 was for HD Hemi Rams, I never mentioned the 65RFE at all and the 68/66 is a true 6 speed.

[kandl]

Originally Posted by TheSasks

If you read what I said, I specifically said the 66 was for HD Hemi Rams, I never mentioned the 65RFE at all and the 68/66 is a true 6 speed.

Indeed, I did read what you posted - I was simply noting that the re-programmed 545RFEs in the 12 1500s were labelled 65RFEs. Could've/should've elaborated.

My bad

Cheers

[SaskCampers]

Originally Posted by kandl

Indeed, I did read what you posted - I was simply noting that the re-programmed 545RFEs in the 12 1500s were labelled 65RFEs. Could've/should've elaborated.

My bad

Cheers

And you are right abt the 65, I took your answer wrong as well.

BTW hows Cold Lake these days? Only been ther a couple time, 2002 to do some training and teaching and 1980 when I was on my CF104 Courses before going to Germany.

[shineysideup]

Originally Posted by TheSasks

The 68RFE and 66RFE automatic transmissions for Ram trucks


65RFE, 66RFE and 68RFE differences explained - Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, and related cars and trucks


Yes the 8 speed will be good if it is reliable, too bad there is no firm date for Hemi models. If you read what I said, I specifically said the 66 was for HD Hemi Rams, I never mentioned the 65RFE at all and the 68/66 is a true 6 speed.

Looks like the 2013 ram with the hemi gets the 8 speed also! Awesome, but is it reliable?