Transmissions? 2500 6 spd vs 8 spd

[jnojr]

I'm thinking of getting a 2500 with the gas motor. It looks like the 4th gen trucks have a 6 speed, and the 5th gen an 8 speed. With 1500s, pretty much everyone say to avoid the 6 speed and get the 8 speed. Does this hold for 2500s? I think I saw the final drive ratio is the same, so all else being equal, I think they should have the same freeway MPG. Is this, or any other factor, enough to tilt me into the 5th gen vs. saving some $$$ with a slightly older truck?

 

[Docwagon1776]

Recent thread exploring the same question: https://www.ramforum.com/threads/6spd-v-8spd-trans.215287/

 

[Bearcatrp]

I had a 2017 Ram 3/4 ton with the 6 speed. Sucked pulling my 11,000 lb 5th wheel in the hills. To much gap between gears. Traded for a 2021 1 ton long bed with the 8 speed. Big difference. Can actually go up hills and change gears as I go. Get the 8 speed. You won’t regret it.

 

[Papa Red]

The eight speed is pretty sweet. Love it!

Red

 

[jnojr]

I had a 2017 Ram 3/4 ton with the 6 speed. Sucked pulling my 11,000 lb 5th wheel in the hills. To much gap between gears. Traded for a 2021 1 ton long bed with the 8 speed. Big difference. Can actually go up hills and change gears as I go. Get the 8 speed. You won’t regret it.

Thanks. Any thoughts on the 6 speed when not towing?

 

[max2bob]

not towing , my 6 speed is more than fine , no problem with it at all . it is that gap between 1st and 2nd gear when towing some weight that will leave you high and dry until the engine can get back into the powerband and start pulling again.

 

[White six four]

If money matters go with the 6 speed. Better looking truck in my opinion and the prices have really came down on them at least in my area.

The 6 speed is pretty good for highway or county road driving. When coming up to a hill that I know it will have to downshift I'll manually downshift before the hill to 5th. Supposedly it helps save the od clutches doing that also. At slower speeds it does like to shift to the highest gear possible and lug the crap out of the motor. So I'll usually manually shift it a gear or 2 lower to keep it at a decent rpm range or just put it in tow haul. 137k on my 6 speed and no problems with it but I've done 2 filter changes already and swap out at least 4 quarts every spring with new fluid. Redline c+ is the go to fluid for the rfe's. Definitely shifts smoother. Also if you get a 6 speed look into deleting the trans thermostat or I think one brand has a 130ish to 145ish replacement thermostat.

 

[CMV157]

I had a 2018 with 6 speed and currently a 2021 with the 8 speed. Both 6.4 2500s. Massive difference in every way, I would never own the 6 speed again.

 

[Slick61]

I've got a 2016 Tradesman crew cab... 6.4L 4x4 with 4.10s. The 6 speed is ok... not the smoothest transmission ever, but ok. It can get caught off-guard (in the wrong gear) occasionally, but has overall been fine. I've thought about upgrading to an 8 speed, though the final drive ratios are pretty much the same. I haven't seen much in the way of deals, so will likely keep what I got since it's paid for, & only has 57k miles on it.

 

[yomanne]

I have a Gen 4 with 6-speed. My daughter has a Gen 4 with 8-speed. Surprised no one has mentioned the 6-speed has a column shifter and the 8-speed has the electronic rotary knob shifter. That can be important to some people.

Regarding the actual performance of the six-speed, it was driving me crazy driving around town with all the unexpected random shifting going on. However, I found a fix. I now have the "Tow/Haul" mode selected as my default and it drives great! Although it never shifts into 6th gear (unless I take it back out of "Tow/Haul" mode) the shifting is predictable and smooth.

Another thing I should mention is that it NEVER uses 3rd gear because it's so close to the same ratio as 2nd gear (1.50:1 versus 1.67:1). So, in essence, my RAM Hemi now has a 4-speed automatic (1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th). The other thing I like is that it now automatically down shifts as I'm coming up to a stop sign. Wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[Snowchief]

The knob is bogus along with no dipstick. Otherwise a fantastic piece. As far as mileage some improvement but marginal.Very smooth and quick shifts. My favorite will always be a manual.

 

[Hardracer]

If money matters go with the 6 speed. Better looking truck in my opinion and the prices have really came down on them at least in my area.

The 6 speed is pretty good for highway or county road driving. When coming up to a hill that I know it will have to downshift I'll manually downshift before the hill to 5th. Supposedly it helps save the od clutches doing that also. At slower speeds it does like to shift to the highest gear possible and lug the crap out of the motor. So I'll usually manually shift it a gear or 2 lower to keep it at a decent rpm range or just put it in tow haul. 137k on my 6 speed and no problems with it but I've done 2 filter changes already and swap out at least 4 quarts every spring with new fluid. Redline c+ is the go to fluid for the rfe's. Definitely shifts smoother. Also if you get a 6 speed look into deleting the trans thermostat or I think one brand has a 130ish to 145ish replacement thermostat.

I also hate that lugging..definitely holds the higher gears at slower speeds.i usually just manually shift down when I know what's coming and where i feel it should be and feels best.
Only experience I have with the 8 speed is a buddies ride..totally impressed with that.

 

[Riccochet]

If you can swing one with the 8 speed get it. It's light years better than the 6 speed.

 

[DILLIGAF]

6 speed = Hot garbage

 

[quickster2]

I'm approaching 90K miles at the next OCI. 6 speed here. The 8 speed is better no doubt. My truck only gets used 75% of the time for towing as it is not my daily driver. I've towed near the max weight & payload several times mainly from Michigan to my property in KY. The trans is consistently 172 or 174 degrees F. Going through the hills of Kentucky or through the WV mountains and Colorado with the truck camper never had an issue. My trips to KY usually include a 21' enclosed trailer or a 25' Gooseneck with my tractor, implements, and two 4 wheelers. I would go with whatever the features the truck has that meets your needs and $$$. The # of gears in the trans would not alone be a show stopper. Gear ratio, LSD, suspension type, trim level, etc., would also be determining factors. I've also added aftermarket both diff covers and a trans pan. I keep my fluids fresh. Regardless, good luck in your search.