Best 68RFE Builder — 9 Questions to Ask Before You Waste Money on a Rebuild

The Dodge Ram’s 68RFE is notorious. Built right, it can handle towing, power, and daily use. Built wrong, it fails again in months. The problem is that many shops advertise “rebuilt” 68RFEs but cut corners to keep the price low. Here are 9 questions that separate the best 68RFE builders from the ones who will cost you more in the long run.

1. What frictions and steels do you use?

Cheap rebuilds reuse or replace with sub par clutches. A real builder uses proper frictions, steels, and clutch packs designed to handle heat and torque.

2. Do you address the valve body?

The valve body is a known weak point. Ask if the shop uses an upgraded or proprietary valve body to prevent cross leaks and pressure loss. At Inglewood, we include a proprietary valve body upgrade in our stage 1.5 stage & stage 3 builds. Stock + and stage 1 builds include a bonded separator plate and machining

3. Is the input shaft upgraded?

Stock input shafts are a failure point under towing or tuned power. A reputable builder offers billet or upgraded shafts at the appropriate build stage.

4. What torque converter is included?

A rebuild that reuses the stock converter is a waste. The converter must be matched to towing, daily driving, or horsepower goals. We pair each 68RFE build with the correct converter, from OEM+ to performance options.

5. Do you offer multiple build levels?

One-size-fits-all rebuilds are a red flag. A true 68RFE builder offers stages, Stock+, Stage 1, Stage 1.5, Stage 2, Stage 3, so the transmission is matched to the truck’s use case.

6. What’s the warranty?

Shops that only offer 90 days know their rebuilds won’t last. Our 68RFE builds come with a 2-year, unlimited-mile warranty.

7. Do you hot flush the cooler?

Skipping this step contaminates a new build with old debris. Every Inglewood install includes cooler flushing or replacement to protect the transmission.

8. What tuning support do you provide?

The 68RFE responds well to TCM tuning. A strong builder can recommend or provide calibrations that improve line pressure, shift quality, and longevity.

9. What’s included in the price?

Many shops advertise a low price that doesn’t include a converter, warranty, or upgraded parts. Compare apples to apples, a true built 68RFE may cost more upfront, but saves thousands long term.

Why Inglewood Transmission

We specialize in Dodge 68RFE transmissions, from Stock+ through Stage 3. Every unit incorporates upgraded frictions, steels, valve body improvements, and a converter matched to your needs. Our builds are backed by a 2-year unlimited-mile warranty, nationwide shipping, and in-house install with hot flush and fast learn procedures.

See our current lineup here: 68RFE Dodge Ram Transmissions.

FAQ

How much should I pay for a 68RFE rebuild?

Low-budget rebuilds run $3,500–$5,000 but usually reuse converters and stock parts. A properly built 68RFE with upgraded internals runs $6,000–$8,500 depending on build level.

Is every 68RFE builder the same?

No. Many shops cut corners. Ask the 9 questions above to find out if a shop is truly building a transmission that will last in a Dodge Ram.

Which build level do I need?

Daily driver/towing = Stock+ or Stage 1. Tuned power/towing heavy = Stage 1.5 or Stage 2. High horsepower builds = Stage 3. Call us to match the right build.

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Ready to upgrade your 68RFE? Call or text 714-870-7300, or browse our current 68RFE builds here: 68RFE Transmissions.