Ram 2500 6.7L CUMMINS Diesel + ZF 8 Speed Transmission *Heavy Mechanic Review* | How Good Is It??

I review the 2025 Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel Engine with NEW ZF 8 speed POWERLINE Automatic Transmission. I discuss the history of ZF and Ram and then go over Performance Specs, reliability and strenghtof this new 8 Speed Transmission like input torques, Max towing figures and give my opinion as a heavy duty diesel mechanic.

What I Use:

Towing Gear:

My Camera Gear:

I take a deep dive into this upcoming New ZF 8 speed powerline Automative transmission in the new 2025 Ram HD platform. Overall It looks pretty impressive. I think for most people this transmission will be way overbuilt for there needs but it does mean that hopefully these new 8 speed transmission will lead great reliability and longevity.

the first thing that really caught my eye was that this is a commercially built and designed transmission which I really like to see. I think ZF's main focus was on the commmercial vocational truck use and application meaning this
transmission will be built tough and hopefully be extremely strong for the Ram Hd truck platform.

I think this 8 speed is exactly what Ram needed behind their 6.7L cummins. I think this ZF 8 speed is probably going to be a game changer and if they are as good as the ZF transmissions in the ram 1500 trucks it will be the new bench mark for HD truck transmissions going forward.

The one thing I'm not sure about is the HO cummins because technically the this engine is putting out too much power for the 8 speed. the ZF powerline has a max of 1,000 lb-ft of input torque so we'll have to see what happens there is RAM is going to keep the Aisin or if they will bump up the ZF powerline input torque figure.

Let me know what you guys think.

00:00 - Intro
01:49 - ZF History
02:51 - Ram 1500 8 Speed
04:20 - Ram 2500 8 Speed

[CharlesRAmey-teyx]

What we need is the manual transmission brought back. People complain about different things relating to the automatic. People say the transmissions shifts too much, or too little, and all sorts of other things. To solve all of these issues, put the manual transmission back in and everyone will be happy.

[JeffFoster-sv]

This has been LONG overdue for the Cummins!

[DeeRizzley]

I was a life long ford guy I mean to the death, and ram has completely made me switch sides lately, with the styling awesome interiors spacious cabs and superior ride quality with a Cummins, and now a zf8 for the hd trucks as well!? I’m sold.

[edt]

I have aisin in mine.no problems for past 260k .been hotshoting and hauling containers since day 1. Lets hope zf hold up just as good.

[joshuareed]

Too bad they took away the manual trans. I had a 2012 3500 with the 6.7 and a 6 spd manual. It needed a new clutch pretty quickly, but what a solid setup once I put a dual disc in it. I didn't know what I had at the time!

[austinkeen]

The 8 speed ZF has been a workhorse for years. Im glad to see its involvement in the heavier series. Its easily a transmission, maybe even one of all time!

[TheMacronical]

ABOUT. DAMN. TIME!

I might actually be interested in a RAM 2500 for once now

[Weak_juan]

This is exciting. I bought my ram mainly for the 8hp70.

[johnking]

I just rolled 300k on my 6 speed. Admittedly, i dont tow heavy loads, but 300k with zero hiccups seems good to me. Also, zero engine, fuel, turbo issues either.

[samuelvelez]

Can't wait to see that transmission in a 3500 Cummins pickup

[Slckr]

Looking forward to this new transmission, really hope it proves to be a good unit. The 10 speeds have developed some less than stellar reputations, hopefully this kicks them in the rear and helps to get them sorted. Great video, looking forward to the next one.

[stgraves]

ZF makes transmissions for Formula 1 cars, LaMans, Grand Prix, the ZR 1 vet, semi trucks, the 91 -92 Pontiac Fire Hawk, ships, planes, helicopters. I’m glad Ram stayed with ZF.

[jarrsong]

Wipe off your chin buddy… lolol. Everyone loves a HD truck that drives like a box truck… If history is a good example, Ram will figure out a way to screw the trans up.

[joshuawesterman]

I love your content man, the different cuts between all the trucks and how well it flows is really good, love watching your videos

[KurtKoster-st]

Funny, when ram got the Asian trans.everyone was bragging about it, how does Asian and zf compare

[daniellavigne]

This is my third Ram pick up truck, One 3.0 liter Turbo diesel (2015) and one 5, 7 liter (2020) both with ZF transmission. What a breeze this ZF transmission; reliable, smooth and well calibrated. My new 3500 with the HO Cummins is a totally different story; slow, bumpy and lacking gears. Very often instead of changing gears, they use the turbo pressure to compensate for the lack of gears and it is slow to adjust to my commands. I have the feeling to drive a CVT….. Looking forward to go back to my ZF sweetheart!

[FFTW]

How is it rated for class 8 trucks but only handles 1000 lb-ft torque? Maybe I missed something?

[TheElderOne]

Hmm, figures. I finally break down and spend $70K on a new truck, and all of a sudden, HEY, we are upgrading the transmission to a new one.

[MrNismopro]

I have a Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel with the ZF. I love the way that transmission runs, it’s like it’s designed to protect itself and work the engine instead. Very conservative with gearing and shifts. It also seems to defuel at shifts. Can’t wait to see the bigger brother of it.

[zltltzz]

Bien waiting on Ram to update there transs couldn't justify $75k+ on a ram truck with a 6spd trannny that will help me pull that trigger on a new Ramm just got wait en see know on🤙🏽🤙🏽 great video💯🤙🏽