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Aisin Transmission vs. Allison Transmission

What’s the difference between an Allison and Aisin transmission, and which is better? 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 vs. Allison transmission in detail — and see why the Aisin has such a strong contingent of support among Chicago drivers.

Aisin vs. Allision Transmission: Specs

First, we’ll look at the difference between Allison and Aisin transmission in terms of performance. Check out their specs below to compare gears, weight, and sizing.

AISIN six-speed automatic transmission
Aisin Seiki Six-Speed AS68RC (Dodge Cab and Chassis)

  • First gear: 3.74
  • Second gear: 2.00
  • Third gear: 1.34
  • Fourth gear: 1.00
  • Fifth gear: 0.77
  • Sixth gear: 0.63
  • Reverse: 3.54
  • Weight: 348 pounds
  • Torque Converter: 12.2-inch (diameter) with a four-disc converter

Duramax Allison transmission
Allison 1000 (Chevrolet and GMC)

  • First gear: 3.10
  • Second gear: 1.81
  • Third gear: 1.40
  • Fourth gear: 1.00
  • Fifth gear: 0.71
  • Sixth gear: 0.61
  • Reverse: 4.49
  • Weight: 330 pounds
  • Torque Converter: 12.2-inch (diameter) dual-friction with a single-disc converter

Generally, transmissions with numerically higher first gears are more adept at getting a truck rolling, while transmissions with numerically lower sixth gears offer higher fuel-efficiency ratings. If you want to get down to brass tacks, the Aisin is heavier but more economical based on the numbers, and also delivers more pulling power to get the truck moving. The size of a torque converter can impact fuel economy; however, larger torque converters are more durable and provide smoother gear shifts. Both offer a 12.2-inch torque converter, so they’re evenly matched in that regard.


Aisin vs. Allison Transmission: Engines & Towing

  • Aisin: The Aisin 6-speed automatic is one of the transmissions available with Ram’s 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel engine. This engine produces up to 400 hp and 1,000 lb-ft of clean-diesel torque. With the Aisin transmission, it can tow 31,000 pounds. Additionally, the Cummins boasts some of the best fuel economy ratings for engines of its kind, as well as class-leading 15,000-mile oil change intervals.
  • Allison: The Allison transmission model 1000 6-speed automatic transmission is available on GMC and Chevy trucks with diesel Duramax engines. Power output for the Duramax engines ranges from 250 hp to 550 hp, as well as 460 lb-ft of torque to 1,050 lb-ft. With the available Duramax engine, the GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab 4WD can tow 23,300 pounds.
2018 Ram 3500 towing a trailer

How to Identify an Aisin Transmission

Who makes Aisin transmissions? Aisin automatic transmissions are built by Aisin Seiki and Aisin AW. Toyota Motor Corporation and Aisin Seiki are shareholders of Aisin VW — the largest producer of automatic transmissions in the world. Aisin AW supplies 55 automotive manufacturers, from Ford and Nissan to MINI and Volvo. Aisin Seiki manufactures automatics for heavy-duty vehicles, while Aisin AW does the opposite — they manufacture for light-duty vehicles. Read on to learn more about three of the most commonly discussed models, the difference between Allison and Aisin transmission, and how to identify an Aisin transmission.

AS68RC Transmission

AS68RC

Chrysler used this machine for 2007 model-year work trucks along with the 6.7 Cummins turbodiesel engine. The AS68RC was available for the Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles and was almost identical to the AS66RC, which appeared inside the chassis cab trucks for 2014. It’s known as the A465 when not installed inside a 2007- 2013 Dodge and is identified by its three driving clutches, two brake clutches, a one-way sprag clutch, and three planetary gear assemblies.

AS: Aisin-Seiki
6: 6 forward gears
8: Torque capacity on a scale of 0-9
R: Rear-wheel drive
C: Commercial

AS69RC

For the 2013 model-year, Dodge introduced the AS69RC as a replacement for the AS68RC transmission. It was available for the Ram 3500HD, as well as Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs. The AS69RC included a number of upgraded parts, such as a larger input shaft, a new torque converter design, and a deleted F1 sprag clutch for first and reverse gears. The AS69RC is also identifiable by its unique Tow/Haul Mode. Drivers can simply press a button on the center stack to lock out overdrive gears and get the best possible performance from the Cummins Smart Diesel Exhaust Brake.

AS: Aisin Seiki
6: 6 forward gears
9: Torque capacity
R: Rear-wheel drive
C: Commercial

AS69RC
AS66RC

AS66RC

Introduced for the 2014 model-year, this transmission replaced the AS69RC and was offered for Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis models. It included a compact gear train with three clutches, two brakes, and a new shift control algorithm. The Transmission Control Module allowed it to temporarily turn off the exhaust brake during shifting, and the enhanced Tow/Haul Mode gave it a stronger downshift cycle for commercial operations.

AS: Aisin Seiki
6: 6 forward gears
6: Torque capacity
R: Rear-wheel drive
C: Commercial

Which Trucks Have Aisin Transmissions?

One of the most common Aisin transmissions is the Aisin AS66RC, which can be found on RAM Cab Chassis trucks that employ a 6.4L V8 engine. The Aisin AS69RC, another popular offering, is paired with RAM Cab Chassis models that employ the 6.7L Cummins® diesel engine. It replaced (and is directly based on) the AS68RC from older Dodge RAM Cab Chassis trucks.

Looking for a heavy-duty truck with an Aisin Seiki transmission? Here’s what you’ll want to look for in our inventory:

  • RAM 3500 Cab Chassis
  • RAM 4500 Cab Chassis
  • RAM 5500 Cab Chassis
  • RAM 3500 Pickup

You can also find Aisin transmissions on vehicles like the Nissan Titan XD. In fact, Aisin transmissions have been used by an extraordinary range of automotive manufacturers, including Isuzu Motors, HINO Motors, Toyota, Mazda, Ford, and many, many others. As we noted above, Aisin AW and Aisin Seiki collectively manufacture more transmissions than anyone else in the automotive world.

If you’re still wondering about which trucks have Aisin transmissions, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can even take advantage of our vehicle finder service form, and we’ll let you know exactly what we have in stock. While you’re doing research, make sure that you understand the differences between dual-clutch transmissions and the other options out there!

Learn More About Aisin and Allison Transmissions from Badger Truck & Auto Group!

When you compare the Aisin vs. Allison transmission, it’s easy to see that while both offer similar gears and sizing, the Aisin shines when it comes to towing power. Contact us to learn more about Aisin vs. Allison transmissions, Allison transmission models, or Ford TorqShift vs. Allison transmissions. We can help you schedule a test drive near Madison and Waukesha with a powerful Ram truck or answer any questions you may have about rebuilding vs. replacing a transmission.


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