68RFE Build Levels — Stock Plus, Stage 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 Compared

Not every Ram owner needs the same 68RFE transmission build. Some want a better-than-stock replacement for daily use, while others are pushing big power and towing heavy. At Inglewood Transmission, we offer five build levels so you can get the right transmission for your truck without over- or under-building it.

Browse all 68RFE builds here or see how each level compares below.

Quick Reference — Which Build Fits Your Needs?

Build	HP Rating (at the tire)	Best For	Key Upgrades
Stock Plus 68RFE	Up to ~400 HP	Stock or mild tune, daily driver, light towing	Stronger-than-OEM frictions, valve body updates
Stage 1 Heavy Tow	Up to ~500 HP	Work trucks, heavy towing, mild tune	Upgraded clutches, billet parts in key areas
Stage 1.5 68RFE	Up to ~650 HP	Moderate-to-large tune, occasional racing, heavy tow	More clutch capacity, stronger converter, valve body mods
Stage 2 68RFE	Up to ~750 HP	Big tunes, compound or large single turbo, frequent hard pulls	High-capacity clutch packs, billet shafts, aggressive shift calibration
Stage 3 68RFE	Up to ~850 HP	Competition trucks, sled pulls, drag racing	Max clutch count, billet everything, race-level converter

How to Choose the Right 68RFE Build

1. Power level now and in the future: If you know you’ll add a bigger turbo or fueling later, choose the higher stage now to avoid paying for a second build.
2. Towing weight and frequency: Heavy, frequent towing in hot climates pushes you toward Stage 1.5 or higher.
3. Driving style: Easy throttle and highway miles? Stock Plus or Stage 1. Hard launches and competition? Stage 2 or Stage 3.

Key Differences Between Stages

• Stock Plus: Entry-level upgrade over OEM. Ideal for stock trucks needing a reliable replacement.
• Stage 1: Adds billet upgrades and stronger clutches for heavy towing and mild performance.
• Stage 1.5: Bridge between Stage 1 and Stage 2 — more clutch capacity and stronger converter for moderate power.
• Stage 2: Serious towing and performance use, built to handle high torque and heat.
• Stage 3: All-out competition build for maximum power and abuse resistance.

Recommendations by Scenario

• Light tow, stock tune, daily driver: Stock Plus
• Heavy tow, mild tune: Stage 1
• Moderate tune, occasional racing, tow 12k+: Stage 1.5
• Big turbo, frequent sled pulling, 750 HP build: Stage 2
• Competition-only, 850 HP build: Stage 3

Why Built Beats Stock or “Rebuilt”

All of our stages address the factory 68RFE weak points:

• Weak clutch packs (upgraded to higher capacity materials)
• Converter lockup issues (stronger clutches and better apply strategy)
• Valve body wear (machined and upgraded for longer life)
• Heat management improvements

Next Steps

Decide based on where your truck is today and where you want it in the next 2–3 years. If you’re unsure, call us and we’ll match the build to your setup.

Shop Stock Plus | Shop Stage 1 | Shop Stage 1.5 | Shop Stage 2 | Shop Stage 3 | See all 68RFE builds

FAQS

Q: Can I daily drive a Stage 2 or Stage 3?
A: Yes, but these builds are designed for heavy power and may shift firmer than lower stages.

Q: Do higher stages last longer?
A: They last longer under high power and heavy loads. For a stock truck, a Stage 3 is not automatically “better”, it’s about matching the build to your needs.

Q: Do you offer installation?
A: Yes. We offer in-house installs with hot flush and adaptive-learn reset, plus nationwide shipping.

Q: Can I upgrade stages later?
A: Yes, but if you know you’ll add power, starting at the right stage now saves time and money.