Am told by ASC certified NON-DEALERSHIP mechanics (which I tend to find are more reliable regardless) that 2500 series RAM 4x4 trucks (Diesel and Gas) require kid gloves with transmission maintenance. (a) RAM transmissions have to be flushed with new fluids every 30k miles? (b) RAM transmissions to not have a circulation capacity back to the transmission like its competitors and isn't sufficient flow causing heat-up issues, is that true? RAM 2500 series transmissions are less than $2k to recondition?

What's the reality? Is this only for specific make and model years - or all makes and model years?

 

On the 2nd gen trucks, the transmission were notably a tad weak, but, if you took care of it, it could still last a couple hundred thousand miles. Especially the the transmissions behind the diesel, and 8.0. (I regularly see them with north of 200K miles on them.)

They ALL have trans coolers. But, they also have a check valve in the cooler line, to prevent converter drainback. Of course, the valve likes to clog with crap, and then, no more trans cooler.... so, they overheat, and smoke. Eliminating the valve pretty much solves the issue.

First gen trucks with the 3 speed autos were pretty darn reliable......

 

Just testing - last one didn't work..

 

Hey - thanks for the rapid response. Don't have info on RAM generations - what is difference? I am looking for info on 2013 and newer RAM 2500 4x4's. A for the trans, I understand that there is trans cooling, but, it uses the engines coolant system and not a standalone trans cooler (like I've used in trucks forever) - correct? If so, cant one use an aftermarket external trans cooler to keep the transmission cooler from overheating and causing all the issues? If so, this would also bypass the check valve issue and lower overheating risk - correct?

 

Don't have much info on the reliability of the newer transmissions, I deal mostly with the second gen (94-02) trucks.

Yeah, the trans cooler is in the radiator, like they have been for decades. Some of the 'heavy duty' packages add an external cooler. (towing, etc.) If the truck doesn't have one stock from the factory, its still the same process to install, just like you have been doing for years.

Not sure if the newer trucks even have the check valve issue...... I haven't read anything about.... but, that certainly doesn't mean it ain't there. Someone more familiar with the newer trucks will have to chime in there.

Friend of mine has a 2010 2500, with the 5.7, and auto trans. (same generation as the '13) It's a NICE truck. Runs nice, drives nice, shifts nice, gets better gas mileage than either of my 2nd gens, even with a load on...... It's even comfy for long trips. He hasn't had any problems to speak of with it. Just usual maintenance. I have taken it on a couple trips... Once, towing a trailer, empty on the way down, loaded on the way back.... really couldn't tell that much of a difference. (about a 2K pound load in the trailer) 500 miles and some change. No problem. Second trip was to recover a dead car on the side of the road. 330 miles away..... Same thing. Barely noticed the car was back there. (brothers 01 WRX.... on a dolly)

If I could afford one, I would have one.

 

Pretty much what I thought. Thanks for the basic generation info and for your insights. More than likely 'IF' I can afford one, I will just add an aftermarket trans cooler and be done with it. In short, a trans cooler $300 investment is well worth the offset of rebuilding a trans for $2k-4k. Appreciate the insights.

 

If you buy it, we want pics.