Our ‘Stock’ 68RFE vs. the Dealer’s: A Better Transmission, for a Better Price

The term “stock” doesn’t always mean the same thing, especially when it comes to transmissions. Many customers assume a dealer replacement 68RFE is the gold standard. But most don’t realize that OEM replacements are often remanufactured, carry over the same weak points, and can cost more than a real performance-built unit.

Let’s compare what you get with the average dealer 68RFE replacement vs. our most popular build tier, the Inglewood “Stock+” 68RFE. Same idea, better execution.

What Does the Dealer Actually Sell?

Most Ram dealerships sell remanufactured 68RFEs from Mopar or other OEM suppliers. These are not brand-new units, they’re rebuilt transmissions with replacement internals that usually meet factory spec… but not much more.

They’re also expensive. We regularly see price quotes between $5,000–$6,500 *before* labor.

Where the OEM Reman Falls Short

• No torque converter upgrades, prone to ballooning or slipping under stress
• Weak clutches, friction packs are often stock-grade and wear quickly under load
• Stock valve body, OEM separator plates are known to cross-leak, especially when tuned
• Plastic internals, common in thrust washers, retainers, and more
• Overheating risk, no deep pan, poor cooling, minimal flow upgrades

What Our “Stock+” 68RFE Includes by Default

• Upgraded billet torque converter, strong lockup and better cooling
• Raybestos GPZ clutch packs, hold more torque and last longer
• Improved valve body and separator plate, better shift quality and line pressure control
• Stronger internal components, fewer failure points and better longevity
• Deep aluminum pan, adds cooling capacity and easy service access

All that for a comparable price, and built by actual diesel performance techs who drive these trucks daily. You’re not just paying for a part, you’re getting a smarter build.

Price Comparison

The average price of our “Stock+” 68RFE is right in line with what most customers are quoted from the dealer, sometimes even less. The difference? Ours includes all the upgrades we just listed, and it's assembled by specialists who understand what fails and why.

FAQs

Q: Is your 68RFE completely new?
A: No, and neither is the dealer’s. New 68RFEs are virtually unavailable unless you’re buying direct from Mopar at a premium. Both ours and theirs are remanufactured, but ours are rebuilt to a higher spec.

Q: Do I need tuning for your 68RFE?
A: Not at all. This build is perfect for stock trucks, tow rigs, and daily drivers. It’s stronger without requiring any other changes.

Q: Will my dealer install your transmission?
A: Many will, or we can recommend a trusted installer in your area. You’re not locked into the dealer’s option.

Q: What warranty do you offer?
A: Our warranty is competitive with or better than most OEM options, and we actually support you post-sale. We stand behind every build we ship.

Conclusion

Don’t pay more for a transmission that still has stock problems. Our “Stock+” 68RFE is a smarter, stronger replacement, built with the upgrades that matter, and priced to compete with the OEM. Whether you’re towing, daily driving, or just want peace of mind, this is the transmission your Ram should’ve come with.

Browse our 68RFE options now or reach out and we’ll help you choose the best fit for your truck.