Allison vs. 68RFE: Which Transmission Offers Better Durability and Performance?

When it comes to heavy-duty trucks, especially those used for towing, hauling, and other demanding tasks, the transmission plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation, performance, and longevity. Two popular transmissions commonly found in these trucks are the Allison 1000 transmission and the 68RFE. Both have their strengths, but each has unique characteristics that affect performance, durability, and overall user experience. In this article, we’ll compare these two transmissions to help you determine which one offers better durability and performance.

Overview of the Allison Transmission

The Allison Transmission is a well-known name in the heavy-duty vehicle market, particularly in diesel-powered trucks. It has been a preferred choice in many Chevrolet and GMC trucks, particularly in the Duramax diesel lineup, and in some medium-duty vehicles. Allison transmissions are designed for heavy-duty applications, making them well-suited for towing, hauling, and off-road use.

Key Features of the Allison Transmission:

• 6-speed and 10-speed options: The Allison transmission is available in a variety of configurations, with 6-speed and 10-speed versions. The 10-speed option is particularly noteworthy for its smooth gear shifts and improved fuel efficiency.
• Heavy-duty design: The Allison transmission is engineered to handle the torque and power produced by diesel engines, making it a great option for high-performance vehicles.
• Tow/haul mode: Allison transmissions are equipped with specialized modes such as the "Tow/Haul" mode, which optimizes the transmission’s shift patterns to handle heavy loads, reducing strain on the engine and transmission.
• Durability: Known for its strong build quality, Allison transmissions are built to withstand heavy use and high torque, making them ideal for users who regularly tow or haul.

Overview of the 68RFE Transmission

The 68RFE is a 6-speed automatic transmission produced by Chrysler. It’s used in Ram trucks, including those powered by the Cummins diesel engine. The 68RFE is known for its performance in the light-duty and heavy-duty pickup truck segment, providing a good balance between efficiency, towing capacity, and overall driving experience.

Key Features of the 68RFE Transmission:

• 6-speed design: The 68RFE is a 6-speed automatic transmission that is commonly found in Ram trucks, particularly in the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 diesel models. The 68RFE is often paired with the Cummins 6.7L diesel engine.
• Electronic control: The 68RFE features electronic controls for precise shifting, which can enhance overall driving comfort and efficiency. The system adapts to driving styles and load conditions.
• Tow/haul mode: Like the Allison transmission, the 68RFE also has a tow/haul mode, which changes shift patterns to reduce strain during towing and hauling.
• Torque converter lock-up: The 68RFE features a torque converter lock-up that improves efficiency and reduces heat buildup, especially during high-torque situations like towing.

Durability Comparison: Allison vs. 68RFE

When it comes to durability, both the Allison Transmission and the 68RFE have their own strengths. However, they differ in how they handle long-term use under heavy loads.

Allison Transmission Durability:

• Strengths: The Allison transmission is renowned for its durability, particularly in heavy-duty trucks. It is designed to handle the high torque and power generated by diesel engines, making it a popular choice for towing and hauling. The 10-speed Allison transmission is particularly good at distributing power efficiently, reducing wear and tear on the components.
• Common Issues: While the Allison transmission is durable, it is not immune to issues. Some users report problems with the torque converter or the valve body in higher-mileage trucks, but these issues tend to occur after several hundred thousand miles or under extreme conditions. Regular maintenance, such as fluid changes, can help prevent such problems.

68RFE Transmission Durability:

• Strengths: The 68RFE is designed to be durable under typical towing and hauling conditions, but it is generally considered less robust than the Allison in terms of handling extreme loads. It is known to handle the Cummins diesel engine's power well under normal conditions and has a reputation for being reliable when properly maintained.
• Common Issues: The 68RFE is known to experience issues with overheating, especially under heavy towing conditions. Some users report premature failure of the transmission or torque converter if the truck is frequently used for heavy-duty towing. The 68RFE has also been prone to problems with its solenoids and valve body, which can cause erratic shifting or failure to shift properly. To mitigate these issues, some users opt for aftermarket upgrades like a transmission cooler.

Performance Comparison: Allison vs. 68RFE

Performance can be measured in several ways, including smoothness of shifting, towing capacity, and overall driving experience. Both the Allison and 68RFE are excellent performers, but each transmission excels in different areas.

Allison Transmission Performance:

• Smooth Shifting: The Allison 6-speed and 10-speed transmissions offer smooth shifting, especially with the 10-speed version. This improved gear range allows for more refined performance, whether towing or driving on the highway.
• Towing and Hauling: The Allison transmission is known for excelling in heavy-duty towing applications. With its optimized gear ratios and tow/haul modes, the Allison handles heavy loads with ease and provides excellent engine braking to reduce strain on the engine and brakes.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 10-speed Allison transmission is more efficient compared to earlier models, improving fuel economy during long-haul trips and reducing engine strain.

68RFE Transmission Performance:

• Smooth Shifting: The 68RFE offers smooth shifting, especially when equipped with an electronic control system. While it’s not as refined as the Allison 10-speed, it provides solid performance for everyday driving and towing under normal conditions.
• Towing and Hauling: The 68RFE can handle towing relatively well, but it doesn’t perform as well under extreme conditions compared to the Allison. If you’re frequently hauling very heavy loads or towing large trailers, the 68RFE may show signs of strain more quickly than the Allison.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 68RFE is generally more fuel-efficient than older versions of the Allison transmission, though it doesn’t offer the same level of refinement in fuel management, especially in the higher torque ranges.

Which Transmission Offers Better Durability and Performance?

The answer depends on your specific needs and intended use for the vehicle:

1. Allison Transmission: If you’re looking for a transmission that offers superior durability, especially under heavy-duty towing and hauling conditions, the Allison Transmission is likely the better choice. It is built for extreme torque and high-load applications, making it a top performer in the heavy-duty truck market. The Allison 10-speed transmission also offers better fuel efficiency and a smoother driving experience, especially for long-haul trips or heavy towing.

2. 68RFE Transmission: The 68RFE transmission is a solid option for those who need reliable performance for typical towing and everyday driving. It provides good performance with the Cummins diesel engine but may not handle extreme loads as well as the Allison. If you frequently tow heavy trailers or haul large loads, you might want to consider upgrading to aftermarket cooling solutions or be prepared for potential maintenance issues in the future.

Conclusion

Both the Allison Transmission and the 68RFE offer solid performance and durability, but the Allison Transmission is generally regarded as the more robust and capable option for heavy-duty towing and long-term durability. It’s particularly well-suited for those who rely on their truck for demanding tasks. On the other hand, the 68RFE is a great option for those looking for a dependable transmission in a lighter-duty application, particularly if your towing needs aren’t as extreme. In terms of durability and performance, the Allison Transmission stands out, especially for long-term use and heavy-duty tasks.