Shop All Transmission Parts →
Ram started putting Aisin's heavy-duty six-speed behind the 6.7 Cummins for 2007.5, mostly in chassis-cab 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks where the 68RFE was not considered stout enough. That transmission was the AS68RC. For 2013, when Ram released the high-output Cummins in the 3500 pickup, the updated AS69RC took over and it has stayed the heavy-duty choice since, as Cummins high-output ratings climbed from 800 to 1,000-plus lb-ft.
Both are Aisin Seiki units, both are six-speeds with double overdrive, and both are a big step up from the 68RFE in holding power. Neither one is cheap to fix.
Who Got Which
| Unit | Years | Common Trucks |
|---|---|---|
| AS68RC | 2007.5-2012 | Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cab with 6.7 Cummins; some later pickups |
| AS69RC | 2013 and up | Ram 3500 high-output Cummins pickups, 3500/4500/5500 chassis cab |
The standard-output 2500 and 3500 Cummins pickups kept the 68RFE through 2018 and beyond. If your truck is a 2500 with an automatic, it is almost certainly a 68RFE, not an Aisin.
Gear Ratios
| Gear | AS68RC | AS69RC |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3.75 | 3.75 |
| 2nd | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| 3rd | 1.34 | 1.34 |
| 4th | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| 5th | 0.77 | 0.77 |
| 6th | 0.63 | 0.63 |
The ratio set carried over. The AS69RC changes are about torque capacity, controls and durability, not gearing.
Key Differences
| Feature | AS68RC | AS69RC |
|---|---|---|
| Engine torque behind it | Up to about 650 lb-ft in chassis-cab tune | 800 lb-ft in 2013, rising with later high-output ratings |
| Controls | Earlier TCM and calibration | Revised TCM, valve body and calibration |
| Hard parts | Original clutch packs and converter | Upgraded internals and converter for higher torque |
| PTO provision | Yes on chassis cab | Yes on chassis cab |
| Parts interchange | Some seals, filters and gaskets | Many hard parts, valve body and converter are unique |
Common Problems
AS68RC
- Solenoid and valve body faults: harsh or delayed shifts, shift solenoid codes and limp mode. Valve body and solenoid repair is common at higher mileage.
- Heat: chassis cabs that work hard (wreckers, hot shot, dump bodies) push fluid temperatures hard. Cooked fluid leads to clutch wear.
- Torque converter wear and shudder: particularly on trucks with added power.
- Parts availability: the AS68RC was built in smaller numbers, and some hard parts can take time to source.
AS69RC
- Shudder and harsh shifts: TCM updates fixed some of it. Shudder often comes back to converter or fluid condition.
- Solenoid and limp mode issues: shift solenoid and pressure codes, sometimes linked to wiring and connector problems at the transmission.
- Overheating under heavy towing: big fifth-wheel and gooseneck loads in hot weather. A deep pan and good cooler help.
- Added power: the AS69RC holds a lot, but tunes well beyond stock can overwhelm the clutches and converter.
Fluid and Service
Both use the Aisin-type fluid Mopar specifies for these transmissions, not ATF+4 like the 68RFE. Mixing in ATF+4 is a common mistake on trucks that see general shops. These transmissions hold a lot of fluid, and a single drain and fill only exchanges part of it. Change the fluid and filter every 60,000 miles in normal use and sooner for heavy towing or chassis-cab work. A thermal bypass valve upgrade and a deep pan are common add-ons for trucks that pull heavy.
What Repairs Cost
| Job | Parts Only (DIY) | Typical Shop Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid and filter service | $200-$400 | $400-$700 |
| Solenoid or valve body repair | $400-$1,200 | $1,200-$2,500 |
| Torque converter | $800-$2,000 | $2,500-$4,000 |
| Full rebuild, AS68RC | $1,200-$2,500 kit plus parts | $5,500-$8,000 |
| Full rebuild, AS69RC | $1,200-$2,800 kit plus parts | $6,000-$9,000 |
These are heavy transmissions. Pulling one is a two-person job with a transmission jack rated for the weight. Budget accordingly if you are planning a DIY rebuild.
How to Tell Which One You Have
- Year: a 2007.5-2012 Ram with an Aisin is an AS68RC. A 2013 or newer is an AS69RC.
- Pan shape: the Aisin pan looks nothing like the 68RFE pan. If you are not sure which transmission is in the truck at all, start there.
- Build sheet or window sticker: the transmission line names the unit. Ram dealers can pull it from the VIN.
- Tag on the case: the Aisin ID tag gives the model and part number. Order parts by that number.
Towing and Power Upgrades
If the truck is pulling heavy fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers, the two most useful upgrades are a deep pan for extra fluid capacity and a thermal bypass valve that lets the transmission cooler work sooner. Watch transmission temperature on a scan tool or gauge. If it regularly climbs past about 220 F on long grades, the fluid is aging fast and the interval should come down.
For trucks with added power, plan the transmission around the tune, not after it. A stock AS69RC can tolerate a mild bump, but large gains need a built converter and clutch upgrades. The AS68RC has less margin and fewer upgrade parts on the market.
Shop-Floor Verdict
The AS69RC is the stronger and better-supported transmission, and it is the one you want if you are buying a used Ram for heavy towing. A well-maintained AS68RC chassis cab is still a solid truck, but expect to pay more for some parts and to wait for others. On either one, the most common expensive failure we see starts with neglected fluid or a lot of extra power, both of which are in the owner's control.
AS68RC and AS69RC Parts
Rebuild kits, service kits and filters for the Aisin AS68RC and AS69RC behind the 6.7 Cummins.
AS68RC Overhaul Kit → AS69RC Service Kit → Browse CoreTransmissionParts.com →FAQ
What is the difference between the AS68RC and AS69RC?
The AS69RC is the updated 2013-and-up version with revised controls and internals for the higher-output Cummins. The ratios are the same.
Which Rams have the Aisin transmission?
Mostly 3500 high-output pickups from 2013 and 3500/4500/5500 chassis cabs. Standard-output 2500 and 3500 automatics use the 68RFE.
Can I use ATF+4 in an AS69RC?
No. Use the Aisin-type fluid Mopar specifies for these transmissions.
Is the AS69RC stronger than the 68RFE?
Yes. It is designed for more torque and generally holds up better behind high-output and modified Cummins engines.