Cummins Transmissions

Your transmission is one of the hardest-working—and most expensive—components of your vehicle. Whether you’ve upgraded to one of our performance transmissions or are still running your factory unit, regular maintenance is essential to keeping it performing at its peak. Unfortunately, transmission maintenance often takes a backseat, leading to costly repairs or even total failure down the road.

At Randy’s Transmissions, we want to help you protect your investment. Here’s everything you need to know about why maintenance matters and how our service kits make it simple.

Why Transmission Maintenance Matters

Just like your engine needs regular oil changes, your transmission relies on clean fluid and fresh filters to operate smoothly. Over time, transmission fluid breaks down, losing its ability to lubricate, cool, and protect the system. This breakdown can cause excess heat, pressure loss, and wear on internal components, putting your transmission at risk.

To prevent these issues, we recommend servicing your transmission every 30,000 miles. Staying consistent with maintenance will extend the life of your transmission and help you avoid unexpected (and expensive) problems down the road.

A Word of Caution

If you’ve fallen behind on transmission maintenance and notice that your fluid is dark or has a burnt smell, we recommend not servicing it. While it might seem like the right step, replacing fluid in a neglected transmission can stir up debris and lead to sudden failure. This is why routine maintenance is so critical—catching issues early is always easier (and cheaper) than addressing them later.

If you’re unsure whether your transmission is ready for a service, don’t guess—reach out to our team for advice. We’re happy to help.

Randy’s Transmission Service Kits: Maintenance Made Easy

To make routine maintenance more convenient, we’ve developed service kits that include everything you need to keep your transmission healthy. Each kit includes:

• Premium Mobil or Mopar-approved ATF fluid

• High-quality filters

• Durable gaskets

We ship these directly to your door, ensuring you have the right parts on hand when it’s time to service your transmission.

Protect Your Transmission—And Your Wallet

Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your transmission running smoothly and protect yourself from costly repairs. It’s not just about fixing problems—it’s about preventing them in the first place.

The Disadvantages of Swapping Your Chrysler Transmission for an Allison Transmission

When upgrading your Dodge or Ram pickup, the allure of swapping your Chrysler transmission for an Allison is understandable. The Allison transmission is often praised for its durability, making it a tempting choice for those seeking enhanced performance. However, before diving into this swap, it’s important to weigh the disadvantages. From the challenges of retrofitting to the complexities of troubleshooting, an Allison transmission may not be the optimal solution.

The Hassle of Retrofitting: Is It Worth It?

One of the biggest drawbacks of swapping a Chrysler transmission for an Allison is the retrofitting process. Unlike the transmission originally designed for your Dodge or Ram, an Allison requires extensive modifications to fit properly. This includes custom mounts, wiring harnesses, and significant adjustments to your vehicle’s computer system. These changes are not only time-consuming but can also be costly, leading to unforeseen expenses. The more you alter the original design, the greater the potential for complications.

Troubleshooting Challenges

Even if the swap is completed successfully, troubleshooting issues with an Allison transmission can be a major headache. Finding a shop that is knowledgeable about both the Allison transmission and the specifics of your truck’s setup can be incredibly difficult. Many repair shops lack the expertise and tools required for diagnosing and fixing problems with a retrofitted Allison transmission, which can leave you facing high repair costs and extended downtime.

The Strength of a Properly Built Chrysler Transmission

It's no secret that Chrysler transmissions, such as the 48RE and 68RFE, aren’t renowned for their strength in stock form. This is often why many consider switching to an Allison. However, while these transmissions may struggle with stock power levels, they can be significantly improved. By investing in a properly built Chrysler transmission, you can achieve the strength needed to handle both the power of your truck and any additional power enhancements you’ve made. These upgrades can transform your stock transmission into a robust system capable of meeting the demands of serious hauling and towing.

At Randy’s Transmissions, we’ve been perfecting the transmissions in your Cummins-powered pickup since 2008. We specialize in building transmissions that are tailored to your truck’s specific needs; ensuring that you get exceptional performance and reliability. Instead of navigating the complications of an Allison swap, trust us to provide a transmission built to handle your truck’s power and beyond.

Conclusion: Opt for Proven Reliability

While an Allison transmission may seem like a great upgrade, the disadvantages of retrofitting, troubleshooting, and cost often outweigh the benefits. Rather than complicating your setup with an extensive swap, invest in a properly built transmission that’s made for your truck. We encourage you to browse our selection of transmissions for your truck, or even give us a call to pick our brains. We look forward to serving you!