Shopping for first Ram, how to verify transmission +

[Louis Lugnutz]

I've done lots of searching, but running out of time and some questions still not answered.

I have a deposit on a '15 Ram 1500. It is advertised as 8 speed transmission, but how can I verify this? Also, am I actually better off with a 6 speed or 8 speed?

Also, it has a tow button on the dash and trailer lighting connections, but no hitch. While another one advertizes heavy duty engine cooler and transmission cooler. Were these legit options or maybe they all have them or tow button indicates having those options maybe...

Also I am seeing cheap add-on class III hitches, but is it easy to add a class IV?

Edit: I currently tow about 2500lbs, but likely eventually more, so want to understand the limits of the various option packages.

 

[BruceMorgan]

Look up the "equipment listing" via VIN on: https://www.ramtrucks.com/webselfservice/ram/index.html

Or lookup your window sticker here: https://www.chrysler.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=1C6RR7FT6HS779404

(replace my VIN with your VIN in the address bar)

You are better off with an 8-speed. For towing, you're better off with the 3.92 rear end. The factory tow package includes 3.92 rear end, trailer brake controller in the dash, 7 and 4 pin trailer plugs, and a class IV hitch. You want the class IV hitch. It's an easy addition if you're getting one designed for the Ram which is easy to find.

 

[Louis Lugnutz]

Look up the "equipment listing" via VIN on: https://www.ramtrucks.com/webselfservice/ram/index.html

Or lookup your window sticker here: https://www.chrysler.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=1C6RR7FT6HS779404

(replace my VIN with your VIN in the address bar)

You are better off with an 8-speed. For towing, you're better off with the 3.92 rear end. The factory tow package includes 3.92 rear end, trailer brake controller in the dash, 7 and 4 pin trailer plugs, and a class IV hitch. You want the class IV hitch. It's an easy addition if you're getting one designed for the Ram which is easy to find.

Thank you very much. I had found another similar tool, but some of the results didn't make sense, while your link they do all add up so far.

So evidently this truck has the heavy duty engine cooling and transmission coolign, good, but has "Delete Class IV Receiver Hitch", though it does have the trailer wiring connectors. Ok, so it has 8 speed, a 3:21 and I don't recall seeing a brake controller. Maybe that's all good though as currently my heaviest tow is my side-by-side and dirtbike on an aluminum flatbed trailer, and if I decide to tow heavier it shouldn't be too expensive or difficult to add brake controller, class IV, and change ratios, make sense?

 

[MADDOG]

Correct. You can add both the controller and hitch class of your choice later.

A ratio change would be higher recommended for towing. The 8-speed & 3.92 gear combination is an excellent equipment package for towing.

 

[Louis Lugnutz]

Correct. You can add both the controller and hitch class of your choice later.

A ratio change would be higher recommended for towing. The 8-speed & 3.92 gear combination is an excellent equipment package for towing.

thank you.

I searched a couple of other VINs for comparison, and one mentions the corporate 9.25 rear. Is that a heavier duty rear than standard? A bit of searching on that, no details found yet other than it is on all 2wd limiteds and some 4wd's, so that hints to me that it is a stronger design possibly, but no confirmation yet. Wondering if I should put more value on this rear.

 

[Louis Lugnutz]

Interesting, comparing a bunch of VINs I'm seeing two different front axle diameters, 205mm and 215mm, and also two alternators, 160A and 180A.

 

[Neil E]

The easiest way to tell what transmission it has is to look at the gear selector. If it is a round knob, it's the 8 speed. If it's an old style selector, it's the 6 speed.

 

[GRN69CHV]

Towed with mine few times, mostly light loads (2500-2700#) on my 10' single axle trailer. Ran it in 8th gear to keep the DOD disengaged. I did use a Uhaul car hauler another time, total weight of about 5,000#. Personal experience was to just tow the car hauler in 7th gear (3.21's) which wasn't a whole lot more rpm than a 3.92 gear in 8th. If anything, 7th gear has less OD which puts less strain on the trans. JMHO.

 

[Louis Lugnutz]

Thank you again Bruce, that VIN lookup link was invaluable, I used it on a bunch of trucks. Ultimately last night I narrowed it down to four vehicles, this morning going a few towns up the highway to try and eventually put down a deposit on a nice 2015 express crew cab with the tow package and 20 x 9 wheels. The thing is a dragster with that 8 speed times the 3.92 gears! I can't wait to take delivery on it, which is hopefully Monday.

 

[ExpressRules]

As said by Neil E, if it has a dial to select it is a 8 speed, if shifter on column it is a 6 speed.