The Ultimate 68RFE Transmission Guide: Problems, Upgrades, and Why Monster Builds It Better

The 68RFE transmission has powered millions of Dodge and Ram Cummins trucks since its introduction in 2007. Designed for heavy-duty diesel torque, towing, and daily driving, the 68RFE is capable — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood and commonly failed modern diesel transmissions.

At Monster Transmission, we’ve built, torn down, and re-engineered more 68RFEs than most shops will ever see. This guide breaks down how the 68RFE works, where it fails, and how Monster fixes every known weak point — so you can make an informed decision whether you’re researching, diagnosing problems, or ready to upgrade.

👉 Featured Build: StreetMonster Dodge 68RFE Transmission & Torque Converter

What Is the 68RFE Transmission?

The 68RFE is a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission used behind the 6.7L Cummins diesel in Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. It replaced the older 48RE, bringing smoother shifts, closer gear spacing, and better drivability — but also added electronic complexity.

  • Introduced: 2007.5 Ram HD trucks
  • Applications: Ram 2500 / 3500 with 6.7L Cummins
  • Control: Fully electronic (TCM-controlled)
  • Use cases: Daily driving, towing, work trucks, performance builds

From the factory, the 68RFE was designed to handle stock torque — but once mileage, towing, or tuning enters the picture, its weak points begin to show.

Common 68RFE Problems (What We See Every Day)

1. Torque Converter Failure

This is the #1 failure point on stock 68RFEs. Factory converters suffer from weak clutch materials and poor heat control, leading to shudder, slipping lockup, and eventually full failure.

Symptoms:

  • Shudder during lockup
  • RPM flare under load
  • Overheating while towing
  • Metal debris in the pan

Monster Fix: Every StreetMonster 68RFE includes a triple-disc billet torque converter engineered for diesel torque, towing loads, and long-term durability.

2. Clutch Pack Burn-Up

OEM clutch counts are marginal at best. Under towing or tuned conditions, they simply don’t hold.

Monster Fix: Increased clutch capacity, upgraded friction materials, steel pressure plates, and revised apply areas for real torque handling.

3. Valve Body & Pressure Control Issues

Pressure loss inside the valve body leads to delayed shifts, flares, and inconsistent engagement.

Monster Fix: Hard-anodized valve body, custom separator plate, and an advanced pressure control module delivering up to 250 PSI of line pressure.

4. Overheating

Heat kills transmissions — and the 68RFE runs hot when worked hard.

Monster Fix: Deep sump pan for added fluid capacity, improved cooling flow paths, and recommendations for proper cooler setup.

How Monster Re-Engineers the 68RFE

Monster doesn’t “rebuild” 68RFEs — we remanufacture and upgrade them. That means fixing the factory design flaws, not resetting them.

  • Hard-anodized valve body with new solenoid pack
  • Custom bonded gasket separator plate
  • Billet 4C spring retainer
  • Steel girdle on 2C piston
  • +33% clutch capacity in Overdrive and 2C
  • QT100 pressure plates
  • Custom big-stack overdrive shaft
  • Triple-disc billet torque converter
  • Deep sump oil pan

Every unit is dyno-tested before shipping — not “test-driven around the block.”

StreetMonster 68RFE: Who It’s Built For

The StreetMonster 68RFE is ideal if you:

  • Tow heavy trailers
  • Daily drive a Cummins truck
  • Want reliability with mild tuning
  • Are tired of repeat transmission failures

It balances durability, smooth drivability, and long service life — without the harshness of race-only builds.

68RFE Fluid, Service & Lifespan

  • Fluid: ATF+4 Full Synthetic
  • Total capacity: ~17.5 quarts
  • First service: 5,000 miles
  • Normal service: OE intervals thereafter

With proper cooling, tuning, and maintenance, a Monster-built 68RFE can deliver years of reliable service even under heavy use.

Warranty & Peace of Mind

Monster backs the 68RFE with:

  • 3-Year Monster Warranty
  • +3-Year Extend Coverage
  • Unlimited miles

That’s coverage most rebuild shops simply can’t offer — because they’re not building transmissions this thoroughly.

Bottom Line: Is the 68RFE Worth Upgrading?

The 68RFE has great bones — but factory weaknesses limit its potential. Monster takes what works, fixes what doesn’t, and delivers a transmission built for the way Cummins trucks are actually used.

If you’re done gambling on rebuilds and ready for a real solution, the Monster StreetMonster 68RFE is built for you.

👉 View the StreetMonster 68RFE here: MonsterTransmission.com