2025 Ram 4500/5500 Chassis Cabs Gain PowerLine™ Transmission

While much has been discussed about the upcoming mid-cycle action (MCA) for the 2025 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickups, new details are emerging about updates to the 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab lineup. Though the exterior updates are modest, with a redesigned grille and updated headlights, the Chassis Cab models will feature a revised powertrain lineup with significant enhancements to performance and reliability.

The 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel I6 engine will receive several updates, including a redesigned cylinder head featuring external injectors and fuel rail lines, aimed at improving efficiency and reliability. Glow plugs will replace the traditional intake manifold grid heater, offering better cold-start performance in harsh weather. The intake manifold has been redesigned to improve airflow, and the engine will now use top-loaded cartridge filters for oil and fuel, simplifying maintenance. A redesigned high-pressure fuel pump addresses previous reliability concerns, while the updated Holset™ variable-geometry turbo (VGT) with a 10-blade design optimizes exhaust gas pressure and airflow, enhancing power delivery and responsiveness, especially during heavy towing.

A major update for the 2025 Chassis Cab models is the switch to the ZF PowerLine™ 8-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic. This advanced transmission is expected to provide smoother shifts, improved fuel economy, and enhanced towing capabilities, making it a more robust choice for demanding tasks.

The 6.4-liter HEMI® BGE V8 will also return for 2025. While the engine itself remains unchanged, the HEMI-equipped Chassis Cab models will now pair with the new ZF PowerLine™ 8AP430 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the Aisin AS69RC. However, the Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickups equipped with the HEMI will retain the familiar ZF 8HP75-LCV 8-speed automatic transmission, a heavy-duty version of the 8HP75 used in the Ram 1500 designed specifically for light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

Ram is expected to unveil the 2025 Heavy Duty models at the Detroit Auto Show on January 10, 2025. The Chassis Cab lineup is likely to follow with a debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February, reflecting the staggered rollout seen during the 2019 updates.

Stay tuned to MoparInsiders.com and HDRams.com for more updates on the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup as they become available.