Now that we’re starting to see the 2020 Ram 1500s on dealership lots, many drivers want to know if it’s possible to buy a version of the truck that has a manual transmission.
In the past, one of the biggest reasons to skip the automatic is because the cost of a manual transmission truck is usually several thousand dollars less. The manual transmission also provides drivers with more control of the vehicle during times when they need more power, such as dealing with steep grades, deep mud, or hauling heavy loads.
If you’re a fan of manual transmissions and like the looks of the Ram 1500, there are a few things you should know about the current drivetrain system the company has decided to install in the truck.
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- Dodge Ram 1500 pick-up trucks have been in production since 1994. Similar to any car, as the vehicle ages, certain issues may arise. Problems that have been reported include transmission failure, fluctuating rpm, reverse failure, other reversing problems, breaking planetary gears and torque converter failures.
Aisin transmissions can be found in Ram models (as well as other automakers’ vehicles), while Allison transmissions are staples of GMC and Chevy. If you’re looking for a machine that’s both powerful and economical, read on to compare the Aisin transmission vs. Allison, and see why the Aisin has such a supportive backing.
Does the Ram 1500 come with a manual transmission option?
The short and simple answer to the question about whether you can get a new Ram 1500 with a manual transmission is no. At this time, none of the major auto companies are producing a half-ton truck with a manual transmission. Even though driving a manual transmission is a lot more fun than letting an automatic transmission do all the work, and the manual transmission gives the truck more power and the driver more options, the demand simply isn’t high enough for the manufacturers to feel the need to deal with manual transmission.
As of 2018, only 3.7% of the vehicles sold in the United States had manual transmissions, which represented an 86.2% decrease from 1995. As fewer manual transmissions become available, fewer drivers learn how to drive a stick shift. It’s estimated that only 18% of current drivers can drive vehicles with manual transmissions.
If you can’t stand the idea of owning a truck that doesn’t have a manual transmission and you want a Ram 1500, you can shop around for an HD Ram 2500 & 3500. As recently as 2018, the company was still equipping a few of its 6.7L I6 turbo-diesel (350 hp / 660 lb-ft) trucks with a 6-speed manual transmission. Another option would be going through the hassle and expense of installing an aftermarket manual transmission.
What is the Ram 1500’s drivetrain like?
2019 was a big year for the Ram 1500 in terms of the drivetrain. That was the year Ram upgraded the system so drivers got more torque, improved performance, and overall performance. Ram is calling the new system the eTorque and it is a set up that is similar to what both GM and Mercedes-Benz install in their vehicles. The great thing about Ram’s eTorque system is that it turns the Ram 1500 into a hybrid.
Dodge Ram Transmission
The new system replaces the vehicle’s alternator. While the vehicle is running, the eTorque system generates electricity which not only charges the battery, but also helps the engine start more quickly, improves regenerative braking, increases the vehicle’s pulling power, and improves acceleration times. While these are great things that make the Ram 1500 more enjoyable, the change most drivers appreciated was how the eTorque system improves fuel economy by ten percent.
The eTorque system adds approximately 100 pounds to the Ram 1500’s total weight. The system includes:
- One eight-rib belt
- Two tensioners
- One larger battery pack
- One DC-DC converter
- One motor/generator
- Cables
The Ram 1500 is designed so that the eTorque’s battery pack is located along the cab’s rear wall. As a result of the eTorque system, Ram 1500s that have a 3.6-liter V6 engine have an output of 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The Ram 1500s that have a 5.7-liter V8 engine are capable of 395 hp and 410 lb-ft.
You’ll notice the increased torque when the engine is in low gear.
While Ram has made some significant changes to the 2020 Ram 1500, they only tweaked the engines and drivetrain. One of the changes is the addition of a motor-generator which improves the V6 drivetrain by 90 lb-ft of torque. The same motor-generator adds an impressive 130 lb-ft of torque to the V8 drivetrain.
The price of our Dodge Ram transmissions have been reduced to an all time low. Every Ram transmission has been built by a certified builder and comes with our nation wide warranty. We upgrade every transmission with the latest in performance parts and we Dyno Test to ensure premium quality.
We carry automatic and manual units for the Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 series pickup trucks.
What transmission is in my Dodge Ram?
First manufactured in 1981, the Dodge Ram line of pickups has been named Truck of the Year four times by 'Motor Trend' magazine and is currently built in Michigan and Mexico. These durable pickups provide years of reliable service, but, like all mechanical contrivances, components do eventually need replaced. However, when the transmission needs repaired or replaced in your durable pickup truck, how do you know which of the available transmissions you need to order?
All of the Dodge Ram transmissions have an identifying code on them, but it may not be easy to interpret. The first set of numbers indicates the part number, the second set indicates the build date and the remaining digits indicate the serial number. Documented owners can contact Dodge directly and obtain the transmission information from them via U.S. mail, although this takes close to a month and sometimes that is too long to wait for the information to arrive.
45RFE
The 45RFE tranny was manufactured in Indiana and was typically used in the 1500 series pickup in 3.7L and 4.7L models for the 2002 production year.
545RFE
This is an automatic tranny and was originally designated the 45RFE. The 545RFE was typically used in the 3.7L, 4.7L and 5.7L Hemi models for the production years 2003-2011.
68RFE and AS68RC
The 68RFE was first used 2007 in the 2500 and 3500 series with the 6.7L Cummins ISB diesel engine. For production year 2007.5 and subsequent, the Aisin AS68RC was used.
65RFE and 66RFE
Available as of the 2012 model year, the 65RFE and 66RFE trannies are recalibrated editions of the 545RFE with the addition of a torque converter. The 65RFE is available on the 1500 series in the 3.7L and 4.7L models; the 66RFE is available on the 2500 series in the 5.7L model and the Chassis Cab 3500 5.7L models.
42RE
Also known as a 40RH, this medium duty A998 tranny has electronic control and overdrive; it was renamed from A500 and was used on 2WD pickup models 150 and 1500 with both V6 and V8 engines.
46RH or A518
Originally named A518, this A727 overdrive tranny was renamed the 46RH and began to be used in 1992 for the series 1500, 2500 and 3500 V8 engines as well as in the Ramcharger SUV 5.2L and 5.9L V8 models for the production years 1992 and 1993.
46RE
A second generation model A518 A727 tranny with electronic control and overdrive, the 46RE was used on all V8 Ram pickup models for the production years 1996-2002.
47RH or A618
A more heavy duty version of the 46RH, this model was used in the 2500 and 3500 series with the Cummins ISB Diesel and Iron V10 as well as the SRT-10 for the production years 1994-1995.
47RE
A second generation model A618 A727 heavy duty tranny with electronic control and overdrive, the 47RE was used on series 2500 and 3500 Diesel V10 models for the production years 1996-2002.
48RE
The big brother to the 47 series, the 48RE is a 4-speed automatic, electronically controlled, heavy duty tranny used as follows:
•Series 2500 and 3500 models with ISB Diesel or HO ISB Diesel, for production years 2003-2004.
•Series 2500 and 3500 models with 600/610 Diesel, for production years 2004-2007.
•Series SRT-10 for production years 2004-2006.
G56
This 6-speed manual model was built by Mercedes for use in medium to heavy duty trucks with a gross vehicle weight of between 7 tons and 12 tons. Used in all models of the pickups, including the Sterling Bullet, for the production years from 2010 to present.
Getrag G360
A 5-speed manual transmission, the Getrag G360 was available on ¾ ton and 1 ton trucks with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine for the production years 1989-1993. Due to some reliability issues, it was often replaced with the NV4500 5-speed standard tranny.
NV3500
Short for New Venture Gear, this model is a 5-speed overdrive manual tranny used in the light to medium duty 1500 series pickups manufactured from 1994 to 2001 and in the 2500 series for production years 1994 and 1995.
NV4500
The New Venture Gear 4500, or NV4500 or NVG4500, is a 5-speed manual tranny used on both standard duty and heavy duty models as follows:
•Used with the 5.9L V8 model for production years 1992-2002.
•Used with the 2500 and 3500 series 5.7L Hemi model for production years 2003-2005.
•Used with the 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel model and 8.0 V10 model for production years 1994-2005.
NV5600
Available for both 2WD and 4WD models of both the 2500 and 3500 series with the Cummins 24-valve turbo diesel for the production years 1999 to the present, the NV5600 is a 6-speed standard tranny.
All tranny models mentioned in this article are available on our website. Our knowledgeable sales staff can provide any additional information you may need in order to obtain the correct replacement model for your truck and we are open late for your convenience. If you need a model that is not listed, please call us. We will do our very best to find the correct model to fit your needs.
Ram Transmission 2021
The transmission applications featured on this page cover the Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 extending through the following years
- 1987
- 1988
- 1989
- 1990
- 1991
- 1992
- 1993
- 1994
- 1995
- 1996
- 1997
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- Present