Help me decide, 3 trucks I need to pick 1 from.

[D&D]

You should ask Ram why they didn't increase towing, not me. They're still 2000lbs behind Ford too. Lot of other factors besides trans in max towing numbers.

I've had a 2012 w/ 68RFE, 2016 w/ AISIN, and now I'm in a 2018 w/ manual 6spd. I've driven and towed almost to max capacity w/ the new 2025 and the ZF 8spd is infinitely better. Going through mountains in WV was a breeze in comparison to AISIN or 68 equipped trucks. Also does daily driving better.

2025 is only offered with 3.42 rear. Apparently RAM is looking for 0-60 and fuel #'s.
We had a 2022 1500 with the ZF brand trans. At 5000 miles it kept throwing codes for the retarder temp. Dealer decided a fluid and filter change would solve it. At 12000, it was hard shifting and dealer decided a fluid and filter change would fix it. Both times truck was out of service for a week plus. At 23462, truck would not shift into any gear. After a week, dealer decided it needed a trans. After 3.5 months, replacement trans showed up and was installed.
I will wait to see some real world on the new combo before trying. RAM had a great package with the 6.7 and Aisin.

 

[Hay Dude]

I thought I read the 2025 heavier cab & chassis trucks have a max 4.30 rear now and the 4.88’s are gone?
I agree with this since the Cummins makes a lot of torque at low RPM and the need for 4.88’s is pretty much gone.
This should improve fuel economy, but with it tow ratings would probably remain the same with greater torque, or stay about the same.

Looking forward to the 7.2L and ZF-8 in 2027. Should make a killer towing drivetrain.

 

[D&D]

I thought I read the 2025 heavier cab & chassis trucks have a max 4.30 rear now and the 4.88’s are gone?
I agree with this since the Cummins makes a lot of torque at low RPM and the need for 4.88’s is pretty much gone.
This should improve fuel economy, but with it tow ratings would probably remain the same with greater torque, or stay about the same.

Looking forward to the 7.2L and ZF-8 in 2027. Should make a killer towing drivetrain.

according to the 2025 RAM builder, we were both a little off for the C&C line. 3500 - 4.10 or 3.42, 4500/5500 - 4.44

one torqeflite HD automatic standard with the gas, one torqueflite HD with the diesel is a $1000 upgrade

 

[JRH02]

Brand wars: Literally just now the wife recalled hearing this on the radio while in town yesterday: The Dodge/Ram dealership has a program where they provide a car to a needy local family. It was an old Ford Focus.