Ram 1500 Transmissions.

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wsbf0917

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I don't know the models of the Transmissions but it looks like there is several different options for the Ram 1500. Are the five speeds any good? Is any of them better than the others as far as durability or common problems? I'm looking for a used truck truck between 2009 and 2013.

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smurfs_of_war

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If you can find a late year '13- that's when they optioned in the 8 speed. You may have to dig a bit.

Otherwise 6 is better than 5 any day of the week.

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wsbf0917

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If you can find a late year '13- that's when they optioned in the 8 speed. You may have to dig a bit.

Otherwise 6 is better than 5 any day of the week.

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Can I ask what makes the 6 better then the 5?


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chrism1367

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I have the six and from what I hear it's pretty much the same as a five, one major regret I have with the 6 speed
 

smurfs_of_war

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Can I ask what makes the 6 better then the 5?


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Mechanically I think they're near identical... I *think*... but I am a fan of the extra gear ranges to help with the torque curves. Maybe it's not a huge difference to some.

Neither will leave you stranded, but I think the 6 would be a better option. This is just my opinion on it.

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wsbf0917

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Mechanically I think they're near identical... I *think*... but I am a fan of the extra gear ranges to help with the torque curves. Maybe it's not a huge difference to some.

Neither will leave you stranded, but I think the 6 would be a better option. This is just my opinion on it.

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Good times. I've been really eyeball on this particular truck but it's got the 5-speed. I didn't know if it was something I needed to worry about. I appreciate all the comments.

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JasonK94Z

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The 5 and 6 speed are the same transmissions. The 6 speed uses the the second 2nd gear in the 5 speed. 2 prime.
2 prime gets used in the 5 speed when in the tow/haul mode.


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wsbf0917

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The 5 and 6 speed are the same transmissions. The 6 speed uses the the second 2nd gear in the 5 speed. 2 prime.
2 prime gets used in the 5 speed when in the tow/haul mode.


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Prime what it the fork does that mean? Never heard that term.

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chrisp2493

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Prime what it the fork does that mean? Never heard that term.

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Basically a “second” 2nd gear. In the 5 speed 545rfe, it’s used as the main kickdown gear for downshifting. It’s geared slightly higher then the normal 2nd gear that’s used for the upshift. They put it in there to make for a smoother downshift for highway passing. It’s generally viewed as a weak gear, you don’t want to do much full throttle downshifts out of overdrive, it is the best way to trash the transmission. d800e6100000511776e8e735ad19454c.jpg
 
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wsbf0917

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Basically a “second” 2nd gear. In the 5 speed 545rfe, it’s used as the main kickdown gear for downshifting. It’s geared slightly higher then the normal 2nd gear that’s used for the upshift. They put it in there to make for a smoother downshift for highway passing. It’s generally viewed as a weak gear, you don’t want to do much full throttle downshifts out of overdrive, it is the best way to trash the transmission. d800e6100000511776e8e735ad19454c.jpg
Ok now I see. Cornfused me a bit lol. I'm looking at a nice 2012 1500 with the 5.7 bighorn says it has a 5 speed but was going to look at it tomorrow so I will see for sure. But that's nice to know on the 6-speed take it a little easy out of overdrive before laying the hammer down sounds like the best way to go?

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chrisp2493

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Ok now I see. Cornfused me a bit lol. I'm looking at a nice 2012 1500 with the 5.7 bighorn says it has a 5 speed but was going to look at it tomorrow so I will see for sure. But that's nice to know on the 6-speed take it a little easy out of overdrive before laying the hammer down sounds like the best way to go?

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Yep that’s the best thing to do. Also manually select the gear, wait for the shift and then floor it. I have an 03, but I think the trans is basically the same (not 100% on that) But if I’m rolling around 40-50 mph and want to go fast, I drop it to second gear, wait for it to shift and then romp on it!
 

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Never had a lick of trouble with my 5 speed. It is same damn transmission as the 6 speed. It has been very good for me but I think the 8 speed is much better and would be well worth the extra. I would also suggest gearing of 3.55 or better as it will give you more flexibility. If you get a 6 speed truck get 3.92 gears you will be happy you did.
 

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BTW I have 150k on my Ram.
 

RLJ10X

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With the 5/6, I cannot over state the importance of pairing that tranny with 3.92s

I had the 3.55, and it was awful. Don't buy one with 3.55s!
 
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wsbf0917

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With the 5/6, I cannot over state the importance of pairing that tranny with 3.92s

I had the 3.55, and it was awful. Don't buy one with 3.55s!
Well that sucks the one I'm looking at has 5 speed with 3.55 so I'm assuming bad for towing better mpg with this setup? Never delt much with rear ends other then a jeep I help build.

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Yup mine came with 3.55 hated it for towing unless I locked into 4th gear. I switched to 4.56 gears.
 

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A friend of mine has a 2008 with the 5 speed. 260,000 miles, only one fluid change on it, and it still shifts just fine


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With Torque management they are pretty durable.
 

RLJ10X

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wsb, I put 4.10s in mine. I think that should have been standard. I believe some of the RCSB 2 WD R/Ts came from the factory with 4.10s. 4.10s are both expensive and a bargain.

I wouldn't even have an 8 speed with anything other than 3.92s.
 
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