What Year Model Transmissions Are Interchangeable With a 2017 6.7 Cummins?

Having a Ram equipped with a 6.7 Cummins engine often gives people confidence in power and durability. But when it comes to transmissions, many car owners have doubts: What kind of transmission is my car actually equipped with? Which years’ can be interchanged? Which is better to choose, 68RFE or Aisin? Some people even remind that certain years of Cummins should be avoided as much as possible. With these confusions in mind, let’s solve them step by step and sort out the most practical suggestions for interchangeability and selection.

Which Transmissions Were Originally Equipped With The 2017 6.7 Cummins Model?

In 2017, 6.7 Cummins engines were mainly paired with three different types of transmissions:

• 68RFE automatic transmission: This is the most common configuration, mainly applied in Ram 2500 and some Ram 3500, suitable for general daily use and medium load.
• Aisin AS69RC automatic transmission: Commonly seen in the high-end and heavy-duty models of Ram 3500, it can withstand higher torque and is more suitable for towing and commercial uses.
• G56 six-speed manual transmission: Although there are not many options, it remains a classic configuration for car owners who prefer manual driving.

So, if you ask “What transmission is in a 2017 6.7 Cummins?” The answer is usually 68RFE. But if it is Ram 3500, especially the high-end model, it is more likely to be Aisin AS69RC. For a small number of car owners, the manual configuration of the G56 is also worth confirming.

Which Is Better, 68RFE Or Aisin?

This is a problem that almost all car owners are troubled by.

68RFE

First introduced in 2007.5 along with 6.7 Cummins, it has a relatively low cost and repair parts are easier to find, making it suitable for daily driving and general loads. However, it may seem inadequate under high-intensity dragging and continuous high-temperature working conditions.

Aisin AS69RC

It has been applied to Ram 3500 since 2013. It is positioned at the heavy-duty level, capable of withstanding higher torque, having stronger dragging performance and being more durable. But in contrast, there are higher maintenance costs, as well as fewer options for modification and repair.

So, if you are in pursuit of economy and universal applicability, 68RFE is already sufficient. If you often tow recreational vehicles, trucks or work in heavy-duty conditions, the reliability and stability of Aisin will be more suitable.

How To Determine If Your Cummins Are Equipped With Aisin?

If you are not sure which type of transmission your vehicle is equipped with, you can identify it through the following methods:

1. Nameplate information: Near the gear lever or on the vehicle information label, there is usually the words “AS69RC”.
2. Gear layout: The shift logic of Aisin is slightly different from that of 68RFE. A careful observation of the PRND layout can help distinguish them.
3. VIN query: Enter the vehicle identification code and view the official configuration list. This is the most accurate method.

By doing so, one can avoid mistakenly purchasing parts or transmissions due to a lack of understanding of the vehicle’s configuration.

Manual Transmission Selection: Can The G56 Still Be Used?

For car owners who enjoy a sense of control, manual transmissions have always held a special appeal. The 2017 6.7 Cummins can indeed be paired with the G56 six-speed manual transmission. This manual transmission was in use from May 2005 to 2018 and was not officially discontinued until 2019.

If you are considering replacing the G56, you need to pay attention to whether the configuration of the clutch and flywheel is consistent. Although its reliability is good, its performance under extreme dragging conditions is not perfect. Compared with automatic transmission, manual transmission is becoming increasingly scarce in today’s market, but for some car owners, it remains the purest choice.

Which Years’ 6.7 Cummins Should Be Avoided?

Not all years of 6.7 Cummins are equally recommended.

• From May 2005 to 2009: In the early stage, due to design issues with the emission equipment and EGR system, malfunctions were prone to occur, and the maintenance costs were relatively high.
• For some models in 2013-2014: The 68RFE equipped is prone to overheating during high-load use, especially when towing frequently, its lifespan will be significantly shortened.

In contrast, the models from 2016 to 2018 were more stable and reliable, performing better in terms of the durability of the transmission and engine. If you are considering buying a second-hand car or replacing the entire assembly, these years are relatively “safe” options.

The Differences Between Ram 2500 And Ram 3500

Many car owners will also ask “What transmission is a Ram 2500 with the 6.7 Cummins?”

• Ram 2500: The vast majority are equipped with 68RFE, while a few car owners may choose G56 manual.
• Ram 3500: To meet the requirements of stronger dragging and load capacity, most high-end versions are equipped with Aisin AS69RC, which is the main difference between it and 2500.

Therefore, if you have Ram 2500, the compatibility and selectivity of 68RFE are the highest when replacing the transmission. If you are driving the Ram 3500, Aisin will be more in line with your actual needs.

Final Suggestions

For the 2017 6.7 Cummins, the most common transmission configurations are 68RFE and Aisin AS69RC, and a few models are equipped with G56 manual. In terms of interchangeability, the same model of transmissions from 2016 to 2018 had the best compatibility and almost no additional modifications were required.

When making a choice, 68RFE excels in economy and universality, making it suitable for daily and medium-load use. Aisin is more suitable for heavy-load and high-torque working conditions, offering better stability, but it is more expensive. The G56 is a choice for a few enthusiasts. Although it has been discontinued, it is still fully usable in 2017.

It should be particularly noted that not all years of Cummins are suitable. The early models from May 2007 to 2009 and some from 2013 to 2014 had more problems. If you want to avoid trouble later, you should try to avoid them. When purchasing second-hand parts or considering an exchange, it is essential to confirm whether the transmission number, interface and electronic control unit are completely matched.

In conclusion, finding the right transmission is not merely a matter of whether it can be installed, but more importantly, whether it can work stably for a long time. If you mainly engage in daily driving, you can give priority to the 68RFE. If your vehicle needs to undertake high-intensity towing tasks, Aisin is a more reliable partner. For car owners who are obsessed with manual operation, the G56 still retains the ultimate driving pleasure. Choosing the right transmission is like finding the most suitable “heart” for your car, ensuring it remains strong and stable in future use.ourcing, global shipping, and best solutions for your Cummins engine.