Ram truck 6 speed transmissions

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How are the 6 speed trannys in the '14 or '15 trucks? Does ZF make them? I have been pondering a new Ram next spring but I don't want to go up to the SLT level just to get the 8 speed. The SXT trim is what fits what I need but the 8 speed isn't offered in that trim level with the V8.
 
I'm pretty sure the six speed auto used in the Ram 1500 is made by Chrysler in Kokomo, Indiana.

I actually have relatives that live in Kokomo.
There is a Delphi plant across the street from Chrysler. Chrysler or someone has a plant that molts aluminum just north of Kokomo. The molten aluminum travels to the transmission plant by special tanker trucks. Seems like half the employees drive a Dodge/Ram truck when I've driven by the plant.
 
Originally Posted By: skyactiv
I'm pretty sure the six speed auto used in the Ram 1500 is made by Chrysler in Kokomo, Indiana.

I actually have relatives that live in Kokomo.
There is a Delphi plant across the street from Chrysler. Chrysler or someone has a plant that molts aluminum just north of Kokomo. The molten aluminum travels to the transmission plant by special tanker trucks. Seems like half the employees drive a Dodge/Ram truck when I've driven by the plant.
Ok, hopefully they build them well and will last with proper maintenance. Id like to get the 8 speed, but I don't need the trim level needed to get one.
 
On their website the cheapest Ram you can get is the tradesman and the standard truck with the V6 comes with the 8spd. If you upgrade to the V8 the 8spd is another $500.

Get the 8spd it makes the truck.
 
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
On their website the cheapest Ram you can get is the tradesman and the standard truck with the V6 comes with the 8spd. If you upgrade to the V8 the 8spd is another $500.

Get the 8spd it makes the truck.


Indeed it does. There are two versions, one for the V6 and another for the V8's/diesel.

An amazing slushbox, gotta drive it to appreciate it...
 
I like the idea of the 8 speed AT, initially I was on the fence about it. Driving one sold me. My only beef is that you need a special dipstick, not provided with the vehicle, and a PhD in physics to check the ATF level. I'm making progress but I still have a way to go.
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I like the idea of the 8 speed AT, initially I was on the fence about it. Driving one sold me. My only beef is that you need a special dipstick, not provided with the vehicle, and a PhD in physics to check the ATF level. I'm making progress but I still have a way to go.


That's true for a lot of Chrysler vehicles. Even the 62TE in my 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan needs a 'special dipstick'. The tube is there. It just has a removable cap on it.
 
Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I like the idea of the 8 speed AT, initially I was on the fence about it. Driving one sold me. My only beef is that you need a special dipstick, not provided with the vehicle, and a PhD in physics to check the ATF level. I'm making progress but I still have a way to go.


That's true for a lot of Chrysler vehicles. Even the 62TE in my 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan needs a 'special dipstick'. The tube is there. It just has a removable cap on it.


My Liberty has the same thing, I was able to make a dipstick. However with the 8 speed ZF I haven't heard of anyone doing it, but then again I haven't been searching for anyone doing it either. The thought of having to pay someone to check the ATF is something that really bothers me. I'm sure some savvy Bitog ZF 8 speed owner will figure something out.

SteveSRT8, are you working on it? LOL
 
Yep, annoying indeed demar-.

I plunged the engine oil dipstick into the trans just out of curiosity (wiped clean first of course!). I should scribe a line on it for an ATF baseline.. provided my current level is OK. Ugh..
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: demarpaint

SteveSRT8, are you working on it? LOL


Of course I am Buddy!

My Transmission specialist is going to see the new Ram between Christmas and New Years and do some poking around. We'll see what happens.

My August 05 purchased Hemi in my sig also shipped with no dipstick. I bought a Miller Tool for it with fancy millimeter markings. It has proven pretty easy to set the level after servicing. All you need is an infrared non-contact thermometer and the tool to check the level.

Actually a giant zip tie works really well, too.
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I like the idea of the 8 speed AT, initially I was on the fence about it. Driving one sold me. My only beef is that you need a special dipstick, not provided with the vehicle, and a PhD in physics to check the ATF level. I'm making progress but I still have a way to go.


Mercedes has been doing this for a decade its not a big deal.

You probably need to bring it up to temp to check the fluid level, etc.

I did it a couple of times on MB's, now its just simpler to pay the dealer a few hundred to do it every 100k or so.

You shouldn't need to check the fluid in the transmission unless it has a leak. I don't recall when was the last time I pulled the stick out of my trucks transmission. Probably right after it was last changed 50k ago.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8

Actually a giant zip tie works really well, too.


You've got all the good ideas Steve.

I'm going to grab me a big zip tie...
 
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I like the idea of the 8 speed AT, initially I was on the fence about it. Driving one sold me. My only beef is that you need a special dipstick, not provided with the vehicle, and a PhD in physics to check the ATF level. I'm making progress but I still have a way to go.


Mercedes has been doing this for a decade its not a big deal.

You probably need to bring it up to temp to check the fluid level, etc.

I did it a couple of times on MB's, now its just simpler to pay the dealer a few hundred to do it every 100k or so.

You shouldn't need to check the fluid in the transmission unless it has a leak. I don't recall when was the last time I pulled the stick out of my trucks transmission. Probably right after it was last changed 50k ago.


My Liberty has no dipstick for the trans, I made one. The reason I made one is I'm old school and like to check things myself. The problem is you don't know if the transmission was properly filled from day one. So you could have a leak free trans and low level right off the assembly line. Highly unlikely I know but with my luck that's exactly what would happen.
smile.gif
 
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: demarpaint

SteveSRT8, are you working on it? LOL


Of course I am Buddy!

My Transmission specialist is going to see the new Ram between Christmas and New Years and do some poking around. We'll see what happens.

My August 05 purchased Hemi in my sig also shipped with no dipstick. I bought a Miller Tool for it with fancy millimeter markings. It has proven pretty easy to set the level after servicing. All you need is an infrared non-contact thermometer and the tool to check the level.

Actually a giant zip tie works really well, too.


Let me know how it goes when your guy pokes around. Thanks!
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I like the idea of the 8 speed AT, initially I was on the fence about it. Driving one sold me. My only beef is that you need a special dipstick, not provided with the vehicle, and a PhD in physics to check the ATF level. I'm making progress but I still have a way to go.


Mercedes has been doing this for a decade its not a big deal.

You probably need to bring it up to temp to check the fluid level, etc.

I did it a couple of times on MB's, now its just simpler to pay the dealer a few hundred to do it every 100k or so.

You shouldn't need to check the fluid in the transmission unless it has a leak. I don't recall when was the last time I pulled the stick out of my trucks transmission. Probably right after it was last changed 50k ago.


My Liberty has no dipstick for the trans, I made one. The reason I made one is I'm old school and like to check things myself. The problem is you don't know if the transmission was properly filled from day one. So you could have a leak free trans and low level right off the assembly line. Highly unlikely I know but with my luck that's exactly what would happen.
smile.gif



That's fine, it will explode before the warranty expires.
 
Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8

Actually a giant zip tie works really well, too.


You've got all the good ideas Steve.

I'm going to grab me a big zip tie...


Yep, the really long kind make an excellent dipstick. Mark it in millimeters and PRESTO you have a cheap Miller Tool that can be used to check a lot of things!
 
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I like the idea of the 8 speed AT, initially I was on the fence about it. Driving one sold me. My only beef is that you need a special dipstick, not provided with the vehicle, and a PhD in physics to check the ATF level. I'm making progress but I still have a way to go.


Mercedes has been doing this for a decade its not a big deal.

You probably need to bring it up to temp to check the fluid level, etc.

I did it a couple of times on MB's, now its just simpler to pay the dealer a few hundred to do it every 100k or so.

You shouldn't need to check the fluid in the transmission unless it has a leak. I don't recall when was the last time I pulled the stick out of my trucks transmission. Probably right after it was last changed 50k ago.


My Liberty has no dipstick for the trans, I made one. The reason I made one is I'm old school and like to check things myself. The problem is you don't know if the transmission was properly filled from day one. So you could have a leak free trans and low level right off the assembly line. Highly unlikely I know but with my luck that's exactly what would happen.
smile.gif



That's fine, it will explode before the warranty expires.


That's a headache I'd rather avoid.
wink.gif
 
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