Do I Need a Built 68RFE If I’m Not Towing?

If your 6.7L Cummins-powered Ram isn’t pulling a trailer every weekend, it’s easy to assume your stock transmission is safe. But here’s the truth: we’ve seen more 68RFE failures in tuned daily drivers than in work trucks.

In this post, we’ll break down why non-towing trucks still push the 68RFE past its limits, what really causes failures, and when it’s time to invest in a built 68RFE even if your truck isn’t used for hauling.

DAILY DRIVING STILL BEATS UP THE 68RFE

The 68RFE wasn’t designed to handle the torque your Cummins makes, especially with common mods like:

ECU tuning
37s or 35s with stock gearing
Heavier wheels and armor
Daily stop-and-go driving or steep hill climbs

Even light throttle in a tuned truck can overwhelm the factory clutch packs and valve body. And when the converter starts to slip, heat builds fast, which is what kills these units long before they’re “supposed” to fail.

COMMON 68RFE FAILURES WE SEE IN NON-TOWING TRUCKS

You don’t need to hook up a 5th wheel to cook a 68RFE. Here’s what fails most often in daily drivers:

Overdrive clutches: Burned up from high gear hunting at low RPM
Torque converter: Slipping under mild throttle or low-speed load
Valve body: Poor pressure control and inconsistent shifts
Line pressure: Too low to support even mild performance

Many customers are shocked to learn that their Stage 1 68RFE build isn’t just for towing, it’s built to handle everyday abuse that the factory transmission can’t.

WHAT YOU GET WITH A BUILT 68RFE FROM US

Every 68RFE build we offer is designed to fix the weak points, not just patch over them:

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

Whether you drive unloaded or plan to tow in the future, building it right now prevents the expensive mistake of paying for labor and fluids twice.

WHICH BUILD IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

If your truck is tuned or running oversized tires but doesn’t tow, these are the builds we recommend:

Stock+: For daily drivers or trucks with light upgrades
Stage 1: Great for tuned trucks with mild power or weekend use

If you’re unsure, give us a call, we’ll walk you through the best option for your setup and long-term goals.

FAQs

Q: Do I really need a built 68RFE if I don’t tow?

A: Yes, tuning, heavier wheels, oversized tires, and normal driving conditions all push the 68RFE past its comfort zone. Most failures we see happen in non-towing trucks.

Q: What usually causes the 68RFE to fail in daily drivers?

A: Heat and low line pressure. Factory converters slip, clutch packs glaze, and the valve body loses pressure control, especially at low speeds or high torque.

Q: What’s the difference between stock and built 68RFEs?

A: Our built 68RFEs include billet valve bodies, upgraded clutches, and tuned pressure strategies to handle real-world torque. The stock unit simply can’t keep up, even with light mods.

Q: Can I wait until the stock one fails before upgrading?

A: You can, but most customers regret it. You’ll pay for labor, fluids, and downtime twice. Building it now prevents the tow bill and lost time.

Q: Do you offer install and tuning support?

A: Yes, in-house installation with hot flush and relearn is $1,200. We also offer tuning support, converter upgrades, and core exchange options.

CONCLUSION

Just because you’re not towing doesn’t mean your transmission is safe. The 68RFE is under-built for the torque your Cummins makes, and most failures happen in daily drivers, not just work trucks.

If you want peace of mind, stronger shifts, and long-term durability, a built 68RFE is the smartest upgrade you can make, whether you tow or not.