How to Identify an Aisin AS69RC Transmission in Your Commercial or Ram Chassis Cab
Verify under-hood dipstick position, glovebox build code DF2, and dual-side 8-bolt PTO access covers before ordering your wrecker, carrier, or crane body.
How do you tell if a Ram truck has an Aisin transmission?
On Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel trucks, check the transmission dipstick location under the hood: the heavy-duty Aisin AS69RC dipstick tube is on the driver's side (left), whereas the standard 68RFE dipstick is on the passenger's side (right). You can also confirm Sales Code DF2 on the build sheet or dual 8-bolt PTO covers on the transmission case.
- Driver-side transmission dipstick = Aisin AS69RC (Sales Code DF2)
- Passenger-side transmission dipstick = Chrysler 68RFE (Sales Code DG7)
- Dual left & right 8-bolt PTO ports allow direct hydraulic pump mounting for Miller Industries wreckers
- Increases Ram 5500 Max GCWR up to 43,000 lbs with commercial shift calibration
4 Ways to Verify & Spec Correctly
Inspect the Under-Hood Transmission Dipstick Side
Stand in front of the truck facing the 6.7L Cummins engine bay. If the transmission fluid dipstick handle is on the Driver Side (left side of the vehicle), it is an Aisin AS69RC. If it is on the Passenger Side near the firewall, it is a 68RFE.
Verify the 3-Character Sales Code on the Build Sheet or Glovebox Tag
Request the VIN build sheet or inspect the equipment label. Look for code DF2 (Aisin AS69RC 6-Speed HD Auto with 6.7L Diesel) or DF3 (Aisin AS66RC 6-Speed Auto with 6.4L HEMI Gas).
Check Underneath for Dual 8-Bolt SAE PTO Access Covers
Inspect the transmission main case beneath the cab rails. The Aisin AS69RC features stamped steel 8-bolt PTO aperture plates on both the left and right sides, plus a riveted metal Aisin serial tag.
Confirm Factory Upfitter Electronic Module (VSIM) & Stationary Elevated Idle
Ensure the chassis includes factory PTO prep wiring so the engine ECM smoothly ramps idle RPM (900–1,500 RPM) when the hydraulic winch or stinger boom is engaged.
Aisin AS69RC vs. Aisin AS66RC vs. Chrysler 68RFE Specifications
| Specification | Aisin AS69RC (Diesel) | Aisin AS66RC (Gas) | Chrysler 68RFE |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM Sales Code | DF2 | DF3 | DG7 |
| Engine Pairing | 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel | 6.4L HEMI V8 Gas | 6.7L Cummins Standard Output |
| Dipstick Position | Driver Side (Left) | Passenger Side (Right) | Passenger Side (Right) |
| PTO Access Ports | Dual-Side (Left & Right 8-Bolt) | Dual-Side (Left & Right 8-Bolt) | None (No Heavy PTO Port) |
| 1st Gear / Reverse Ratio | 3.75:1 / 3.54:1 | 3.75:1 / 3.54:1 | 3.23:1 / 4.44:1 |
| Ideal Vocational Upfits | Century/Vulcan Wreckers, 19.5' Carriers, Crane Bodies | Municipal Dump, Service Bodies, Snow Plows | Fifth-Wheel Hauling (Non-PTO) |
Why Transmission PTO Capability Matters for Wreckers & Vocational Bodies
Mounting an under-hood belt-driven clutch pump on a truck without a factory PTO port limits hydraulic flow (GPM) and operating pressure under heavy winching loads.
With an Aisin AS69RC (Sales Code DF2) on a Ram 4500/5500 or an Aisin A465 on an Isuzu NPR-HD/NRR cabover, our upfit team mounts a direct-coupled Chelsea 272/280 or Muncie wet-spline hydraulic pump for continuous recovery, rollback deck, or crane performance.
Always program Stationary Elevated Idle Control (SEIC) via the Ram VSIM module when installing a live-drive PTO so hydraulic GPM stays constant under load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Every Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab equipped with the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel comes standard with the 6-speed Aisin AS69RC (Sales Code DF2).
