Freightliner replacement engines & transmissions
Freightliner Truck Engines & Transmissions
Freightliners have been built with several engine and transmission families over the years. Send us your VIN and engine details and we search supplier sources for a used unit that fits your truck.
Engine families
Engines to check
Transmission families
Transmissions to check
Factory options varied by model and year. Links are starting points, not a fitment guarantee — we confirm against your VIN and serial numbers.
01Engine families found in Freightliners
Current and recent Freightliner highway trucks are most often built with Detroit engines such as the DD13, DD15 and DD16. Many Freightliners have also been built with Cummins engines, and older models like the Century Class, Columbia, Classic and FLD often ran Detroit Series 60, Cummins or Caterpillar engines.
Medium-duty Freightliners such as the M2 106 and M2 112 have used different engines again, including Cummins mid-range engines. Exact options depend on model, year and how the truck was spec'd.
02Transmissions
Freightliners commonly run Eaton Fuller manual transmissions, the Detroit DT12 automated manual in many newer highway trucks, and Allison automatics in many medium-duty and vocational trucks. Your build sheet tells you which one was installed.
03Why your VIN, engine serial and build sheet matter
The VIN identifies the truck, and Freightliner's build data tied to it lists the original engine, transmission and options. The engine serial number identifies the exact engine and helps confirm its emissions year and configuration. Together they keep us from searching for a unit that looks right but is built for a different truck.
04Packaging: aftertreatment, ECM, harness and cooling
On newer trucks, the engine is tied to its aftertreatment system (DPF, SCR and DEF on many models), the engine ECM and the truck's wiring. A replacement engine from a different emissions year can require different aftertreatment parts, harness changes or ECM programming. Radiator, charge air cooler and plumbing can also differ between engine families, so swapping families is rarely a simple bolt-in.
05What to have ready when you call
Having these on hand lets us start the search right away:
- Full 17-character VIN
- Engine model and serial number from the engine tag
- Transmission model and serial from the ID tag, if you need a transmission
- Truck model and year
- Whether you need a complete engine, long block or specific components
FAQ
Freightliner engine & transmission questions
What engine does my Freightliner have?
Check the engine's ID tag or the build data tied to your VIN. Many newer Freightliners have Detroit engines, but Cummins and, in older trucks, Caterpillar engines were also used.
Can I put a different engine family in my Freightliner?
Sometimes, but it usually involves mounts, cooling, wiring, ECM and aftertreatment changes. Replacing like for like is simpler, and that is where we start.
Does the engine's emissions year matter?
Yes. Engines from different emissions periods can use different aftertreatment and electronics. The engine serial number and VIN help us match the right one.
Do you source transmissions for Freightliners too?
Yes. Send the transmission ID tag details and VIN and we search for Eaton Fuller, Detroit DT12, Allison and other units.
Do you have Freightliner engines in stock?
We are an independent sourcing company, not affiliated with Freightliner. We search supplier sources nationwide and confirm availability and freight on your quote.
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Ready when you are
Replacing the engine or transmission in your Freightliner? Start with the VIN.
Have your engine serial number, CPL and VIN handy. If you don't, we'll help you find them.
Commercial-Engines.com is an independent supplier of used commercial truck engines and transmissions. Manufacturer names, model names and part numbers are used for identification only and do not imply affiliation with, or endorsement by, any manufacturer. Read the full disclaimer.