A new graphic charts the popularity of automatic and manual transmissions on 2018 RAM HD diesel trucks. Using data collected from Cars.com, the team at Performance Truck Products discovered that only 281 of available 2018 RAM 2500 diesels have a manual six-speed transmission. That’s a mere 1 percent of the 13,466 listings. Furthermore, only 155 of the 2018 RAM 3500 diesel trucks currently listed had manual transmissions. That leaves 5,740 automatic transmissions in these one-ton diesel trucks.
“Manual transmissions were the way to go on a RAM truck until the mid-2007 models,” says Nate Dwyer, director at Performance Truck Products. “It was, at first, hard to accept that an automatic transmission pushed that Cummins to 650 pound-feet while the manual version was reduced to 610 pound-feet. Before, manual transmissions were always a first choice for towing and driving up and down hills.”
That big 2007 change came when Dodge made the diesel particulate filter and other emissions equipment standard to meet tougher emissions requirements. The increased technology of the fuel-saving torque converters with the automatic transmissions resulted in the greater torque. Despite the reduced torque, the manual transmission RAM diesel trucks delivered the exact horsepower as the automatics until the 2013 model year.
The ongoing improvements to automatic transmissions offer more fuel efficiency than the manual transmissions. Both the 2018 RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks have the six-speed manual option with only the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6, not with either Hemi.
There are two automatic transmission choices to complement these RAM HD trucks. The 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission is efficient and greatly reduces the need to shift. Because many diesel drivers tow, RAM offers the heavy-duty AISIN automatic transmission. Choosing the AISIN means the truck handles maximum towing capacity while automatically changing six gears.
“I’m glad a few of the new RAM diesels have the manual transmission option,” says Dwyer. “Some diesel drivers have been using a stick for years, customizing their powertrains, and getting the driving experience they want. However, the progress RAM is making with their automatic transmission technology is impressive, so I get it. Looks like everyone may have to get on board with automatics sometime soon.”
See the complete graphic here: http://performancetruckproducts.com/blog/diesel-ram-manual-transmission-popularity/
About Performance Truck Products:
Performance Truck Products has been providing the best performance parts and accessories for both gas and diesel trucks since 2003. The site was born out of a need for a customer-focused performance shop, and Performance Truck Products is now a worldwide leader in performance part sales and distribution. Visit http://performancetruckproducts.com/ to learn more.