SHOULD YOU TRUST A STOCK 68RFE? WHY WE DON'T

If you’ve ever owned a Ram 2500 or 3500 with a 68RFE transmission, chances are you’ve either experienced failure firsthand or heard the warnings. The factory 68RFE is widely known for its limits, especially under real-world loads like towing, hauling, or mild tuning. This post breaks down why the stock 68RFE falls short, and why upgrading to a built version is the smarter long-term move.

WHAT GOES WRONG WITH A STOCK 68RFE?

Even under what most would call normal use, we see consistent patterns of failure in stock 68RFEs. These transmissions weren’t designed to handle the demands most owners place on them today. Common issues include:

• Burnt overdrive and underdrive clutches
• Weak valve body design
• Inconsistent line pressure
• Plastic accumulator pistons that wear or crack
• Torque converter slippage and overheating

These aren’t rare cases. They're what shows up in our shop every week. The design limitations of the stock 68RFE eventually catch up with nearly everyone.

MOST COMMON FAILURE POINTS

• Burnt clutches (especially overdrive)
• Premature torque converter failure
• Harsh or slipping shifts under load
• Line pressure loss at highway speeds
• Transmission overheating when towing or tuned

WHAT MAKES OUR BUILDS DIFFERENT

We don’t do band-aids or basic rebuilds. Every Inglewood Transmission 68RFE is torn down and rebuilt using upgraded internals, not just replacement parts. Depending on the stage you choose, here’s what you get:

• Billet valve body (available on all stages)
• Increased clutch count
• Upgraded steels and frictions
• Deep pan and improved cooling options
• Goerend triple disc torque converter (Stage 2 and 3)
• Dyno-tested before it ships

WHICH BUILD IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Stock+ – For daily drivers or trucks with minor tire/gear changes
• Stage 1 – Ideal for tow rigs or power levels up to 500 HP
• Stage 1.5 – Adds durability for light performance use
• Stage 2 – Great for tuned trucks and up to 750 HP
• Stage 3 – Designed for 900+ HP and heavy abuse

Want to see all available options? View 68RFE Transmissions and Parts

FAQS

Q: Is a stock 68RFE good enough for towing?

A: Not reliably. We’ve seen stock 68RFEs fail under moderate towing loads due to clutch and pressure control issues. Upgraded units hold up far better under heat and load.

Q: What fails first in most stock 68RFEs?

A: The overdrive clutches are typically the first to go, followed by valve body issues and torque converter slippage.

Q: How much power can a stock 68RFE handle?

A: Realistically around 400–450 HP. Anything above that starts stressing the clutch packs, converter, and fluid circuits.

Q: Will a billet valve body fix a stock transmission?

A: It helps, but it’s not a full solution. If the rest of the transmission is stock, the valve body alone won’t prevent clutch failure or converter issues.

Q: What’s included in a Stage 1 or Stage 2 68RFE build?

A: You’ll get a billet valve body, upgraded clutches and steels, pressure calibration, and depending on the stage, a Goerend triple disc converter. 

Compare builds here

CONCLUSION

Stock 68RFEs don’t fail because of abuse, they fail because of design. That’s why we build ours to exceed what the factory ever intended. If you’re running power, towing weight, or just want peace of mind, a built transmission isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Shop the full lineup and get the build that’s right for your truck:
Explore 68RFE Transmissions