OE Spotlight: Will RAM Trucks Be Getting An Allison Transmission?

Several months ago, it was reported the 2022 RAM trucks could receive a transmission upgrade by way of an Allison-built 10-speed. We all know that didn’t happen. Back then, owners of RAM trucks who modify their rides surely rejoiced as the current 68RFE transmission does not play well when the Cummins’ performance is enhanced. Sure, in stock form, the 68RFE is a “good” transmission, but it does have its issues. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people say adding the Allison to a RAM would create the perfect truck.

The Allison automatic transmission found in many heavy-duty pickup trucks is engineered to be a true workhorse. For starters, there are no power interruptions between shift changes. This means more power and torque are available at the wheels for seamless, full-power shifts. It is also well supported by the aftermarket. This is not to say the 68RFE is not a capable transmission. The six-speed box has been in the RAM for many years, and it works well.

Here it is, July 2022, and I did a little research on the “Build Your RAM” website just to see what’s available. While looking at the page to build a 2500, I found the 68RFE is the only transmission listed as an option when you order the 6.7-liter Cummins. Not only is the Allison not listed as an option, but what happened to the Aisin? Oh, that’s right, for some reason, that box was only available with the HO engine in the 3500. I hoped it would be part of the 2500 package, but alas… If you look at the 3500 page, the HO Cummins and the Aisin are still listed as options, but again, the Allison is not.

I wondered if the previous rumors about the new transmission possibility might be coming to fruition — and if they might include the 2500. Unfortunately, I was unable to get confirmation from anyone about whether the rumors hinting at the heavy-duty RAM seeing a ZF eight-speed automatic or a new Allison automatic were true. Sorry guys. I can’t find anyone who will “leak” any juicy information about this—yet, but I will keep digging.

However, if you are interested in putting an Allison transmission in your RAM truck, there is a way to make that happen. ATS Diesel Performance has created a conversion that puts an Allison in place of the 68RFE. According to the ATS website, this is the first fully integrated Allison transmission swap for Cummins-powered vehicles. The ATS swap offers complete factory functionality from your late-model RAM. Everything from the push-button start to tow/haul mode, electronic range select, and electronic transfer case functionality—it all works as it should. “Our revolutionary new TRANSLator CAN-bridge module allows the Allison TCM to communicate with the RAM ECM and offers seamless integration of all factory options on the truck with a nearly plug-and-play installation.” The all-new ATS Diesel Allison Conversion Kit includes all necessary hardware and software to install an Allison LCT1000 behind your Cummins. If interested, you can check that out by clicking here.

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Randy Bolig

Randy Bolig has been working on cars and has been involved in the hobby ever since he bought his first car when he was only 14 years old. His passion for performance got him noticed by many locals, and he began helping them modify their vehicles.
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