Top 5 Signs Your 68RFE is Failing — Don’t Wait Until It Blows

If you drive a Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 with a 68RFE transmission, you already know this unit has a reputation. Designed for light-duty use but pushed to handle heavy-duty jobs, the 68RFE often becomes the weak link in an otherwise bulletproof truck. Catching early signs of failure can save you thousands, and keep your truck on the road.

1. Slipping Gears or Delayed Shifting

If your truck hesitates or “flares” between gears, especially when shifting into 4th or 5th, your clutches could be wearing out. The 68RFE is known for weak clutch packs that degrade over time, especially under towing or performance tuning.

2. Harsh or Erratic Shifts

Sudden bangs or hard shifts aren’t just annoying, they’re signs of deeper issues. The valve body in the 68RFE often wears out prematurely, causing erratic pressure regulation. If left unchecked, this can take out the entire transmission.

3. Overheating Transmission

If your temps are regularly pushing over 200°F, your 68RFE is at risk. Heat is the #1 killer of automatic transmissions. The stock transmission cooler and pan don’t always keep up, especially with heavy loads or modified trucks.

4. Torque Converter Shudder or Lock-Up Issues

That low-speed shudder or inconsistent lock-up feeling? It’s likely your torque converter breaking down. The stock converter in the 68RFE is a known failure point, especially when dealing with higher torque loads.

5. Metal Shavings in the Pan

If you ever pull the pan and find metallic debris, it’s a red flag. It could mean your clutches are cooked, hard parts are grinding, or your bearings are coming apart. By the time you see metal, failure isn’t far behind.

Why Ignoring These Signs Will Cost You More

We’ve rebuilt enough of these transmissions to know that most catastrophic failures started with small, fixable problems. Waiting until the 68RFE finally grenades doesn’t just cost you a transmission, it can cost you a tow, downtime, and potentially your engine if things spiral.

Our Solution: Upgraded 68RFE Builds That Last

At Inglewood Transmission, we don’t just “rebuild”, we upgrade. Whether it’s our Stock+ build or our Stage 1.5 for high-horsepower rigs, every unit is built to correct the factory weaknesses. We use upgraded torque converters, billet valve bodies, and clutch packs that are proven to hold up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the most common signs a 68RFE is about to fail?

A: Delayed shifts, limp mode, burnt transmission fluid, overheating, and slipping gears are the top signs. If you notice any of these, don’t wait, it will only get worse.

Q: Can I drive with a slipping or overheating 68RFE?

A: You can, but you shouldn’t. Driving with a failing 68RFE risks complete transmission failure, which means higher costs and potentially being stranded.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a 68RFE?

A: OEM dealer remans can cost over $6,000-$10,000 installed, often with the same weak points. Our upgraded Stock+ and Stage 1 builds are priced similarly or less, with better parts and performance.

Q: Can a tune cause my 68RFE to fail faster?

A: Yes. Tuned trucks put extra stress on the transmission. That’s why many tuned Ram owners opt for upgraded units that can actually handle the power.

Q: What can I do to prevent 68RFE failure?

A: Don’t tow or haul in high temperatures with stock tuning. Avoid harsh driving until the transmission is fully warm. And most importantly, don’t wait until it fails. Upgrade before it blows.

Ready to stop gambling with your truck? See our 68RFE transmission builds and find the one that’s right for you.