68RFE Rebuild Cost Breakdown — And Why We Usually Don’t Recommend It

If your Ram 2500 or 3500’s 68RFE is acting up, you’ve probably asked yourself: should I rebuild it or just buy a built one? On paper, a rebuild might seem like the cheaper option, but once you look at the full picture, it’s rarely the smarter long-term move.

In this post, we’ll break down what a 68RFE rebuild really costs, why most rebuilds fall short, and why so many Ram owners end up going built after their first failure.

WHAT DOES A 68RFE REBUILD ACTUALLY COST?

Rebuild costs vary depending on the shop, labor, and quality of parts, but here’s what most Ram owners can expect to pay:

• Basic rebuild kit: $500–$1,200
• Valve body upgrades: $400–$800
• Torque converter: $500–$900
• Labor: $1,500–$3,000
• Fluids, gaskets, misc: $200–$400

Total: $3,100–$6,300, and that’s assuming everything goes smoothly. That doesn’t include downtime, towing, or repeat failures.

THE PROBLEM WITH MOST REBUILDS

Not all rebuilds are created equal. In fact, most of the ones we see come into the shop after they’ve already failed, again. Here's why:

• OEM Weak Points Left Intact: Unless you’re specifically upgrading the valve body, clutches, and converter, you’re just putting a fresh band-aid on a flawed design.
• Limited Warranty: Most rebuilds offer a short warranty, and it may be void if you tow heavy or run power mods.
• Slow Turnaround: Rebuilds can take weeks if the shop is backed up or parts are delayed.
• Unknown Quality: You often don’t know what you’re getting until it breaks again.

YES, WE’LL REBUILD IF YOU ASK — BUT MOST CUSTOMERS GO BUILT

We can rebuild your 68RFE if you really want one, and we’ll do it right. But in most cases, we’ll point you toward a full replacement with a built 68RFE. It’s faster, stronger, and backed by real testing and warranty support.

WHAT YOU GET WITH A BUILT 68RFE FROM US

Every Inglewood-built 68RFE is fully upgraded and dyno-tested before it ships. Here’s what we include:

• Billet valve body (standard on all builds)
• Upgraded clutch packs and steel components
• Pressure calibration and tuned shifts
• Goerend triple disc torque converter (Stage 2 and up)
• Optional deep pan for added cooling and capacity
• Full dyno testing for performance and reliability

All builds require a rebuildable core, and installation (with hot flush, fluid, and relearn) is available in-house for $1,200. Tuning packages and converter upgrades are also available depending on your build and power level.

WHICH BUILD IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Stock+: For daily drivers or trucks with light upgrades
• Stage 1: Perfect for towing and power up to 500 HP
• Stage 1.5: Adds extra durability for mild tuning
• Stage 2: Built for tuned trucks and 750 HP
• Stage 3: Handles 900+ HP and serious abuse

Compare all 68RFE builds here

FAQS

Q: Is rebuilding my 68RFE cheaper than buying a built one?
A: Initially, yes. But once you factor in labor, downtime, and the risk of another failure, many customers end up spending more in the long run.

Q: Do you offer rebuilds if I really want one?
A: Yes. If you request a rebuild, we’ll do it, but we’ll walk you through both options so you know what you’re getting into.

Q: What fails first in most 68RFEs?
A: Overdrive clutches, valve body issues, and torque converter failures are the most common problems we see.

Q: How much power can a stock 68RFE handle?
A: Around 400–450 HP max. Beyond that, the stock internals start to break down quickly.

Q: What’s included in a Stage 1 or Stage 2 68RFE build?
A: Billet valve body, upgraded clutches and steels, pressure calibration, and Goerend triple disc converter on Stage 2. See full specs here.

CONCLUSION

We’ve rebuilt more 68RFEs than we can count, but we’ve also seen how often rebuilds fall short. If you want long-term reliability, performance, and peace of mind, a built transmission isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a solution.

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