Bulletproofing the Dodge Ram 68rfe Transmission
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- In this podcast, Myer, Todd and Will discuss the notorious 68rfe 6 speed automatic transmission that came behind Dodge Ram Cummins trucks from 2007 thru 2024. Is this the best towing transmission or should you consider the AS69 or the Allison 1000 swap? Listen for all the details on the common failure points and gremlins that have hurt the reputation of this wonderful transmission!
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Great to hear the 68rfe is a viable performance option now. I’m glad to hear that but I have to say I am a little surprised. I gave up on the 68rfe years ago, and haven’t kept up with their development. I was still under the impression they wouldn’t hold much power even when built to the max. I’m glad to hear that is changing. 👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸
Also, have you got any experience at all with the Aisin? Now that tuning for it is available, I’m thinking about trying to find one. What performance daily driver type potential do you think a built Aisin with tuning has? Could it handle 1,000 wheel hp in a daily driver/occasional towing situation? Thanks for any info.
Love these podcasts keep it up guys! 👍
Thanks! Will do!
One of y'alls podcasts has me wanting to go buy a p-pump 12v, another has me wanting a VP44, and this one has me wanting a 6.7. Will you do one soon for just common rail 5.9s so we can round it out? lol
Sounds like you're getting hit with the full spectrum of diesel temptation! A podcast focused solely on the common rail 5.9 would be awesome !
34:30 the big Alison in large 80k lb trucks. The Allison 1000 6sp raiting goes fron 26k up to 46k by taking it out of a chevy.
We were not intending to hate on the Allison, it's a fine transmission and seems to be quite reliable for factory equipped trucks that are not dedicated drag race vehicles. The Allison swapped vehicles we've come across are rarely happy with them.
It is definitely not for everyone. Most 1st gen owners go for the much simpler 47rh and 3 position switch. The industrial programming through CA Coversions is just as temperamental as the 68 as far as changes in driving style. Especially before the trans hits 148° and entering learning/ trim mode.
The alison is not the be all end all !
@andrewslagle1974 never implied it was I even pointed out some of its problems. I just have a preference for a 1000 over a 46rh in my 1st gen over a 2nd gen swap.i hate the 47re in my 2nd gen. Except no lockup I liked the 46rh better than the 47re.
I have kinda given up on this sport. I just dont have the motivation anymore to tear down and rebuild, knowing what ever I put in will break in a few months.
What are the chances we see a stage 2 68 from you guys in the next year or so? Or even a Myer trans tune? Also, what converter does your stage 1 come with?
I run a shop for many years have done many autos that 68 is not a bad trans when upgraded !
Our thoughts exactly.
THANKS helped but still have alot of questions on my 68 got a 21 i can from a allison its way different
Would you say the 68rfe shifts more often than the Allison?
Careful because you and I know someone is going to actually put milk in the trans😂
Hopefully not, rotten milk would spoil everything! Seriously though, these 68's do shift a little different with different brands and types of fluid, the PDD Power Torque is slightly thicker than ATF+4 so it ever so slightly tightens up the torque converter stall speed.
@ really my comment is to say some people shouldn’t ever grab a wrench 😂
Never had a issue with my 4th gen’s 68 and I don’t expect issues from my 5th gen’s. Lifters got me nervous though
Yeah, the 68RFE can be hit or miss, but if yours has held up, you’re doing something right. As for the 6.7 5th-generation lifter, it can be a potential concern.
Now if we could just get Meyer to work his magic on the Aisin. The Aisin looks like a tank compared to the 68. We have a 5500 that tows grossing upper 30k lower 40k all the time and it does great got over 100Kmi on it. Don't know of anyone pushing one 1000+Hp range though but it looks like it should be able to hand 2000hp like a 68 does 1000hp. Also the Aisin looks every bit as strong as the Allison.
Myer does have an Aisin in his garage.
@@PowerDrivenPodcast 😁🍔
I know a few guys who would jump all over an upgraded aisin
Can you please do the same style video on the aisin please
Maybe one day. We don’t have much experience with the Aisin yet.
Has anyone come out with an aftermarket TCU for the 68?
Not that we know of, but there's a lot that we don't know! Maybe someone will chime in with an example of an aftermarket TCU. Seems like Fuel Tech or someone like that could figure it out for sure!
So from a difficulty standpoint how does the 48 pan off compare to the 68 pan off upgrades
The 68rfe pan-off is easier to install because the valvebody does have a parking rod circlip and floating accumulator spring to balance on the VB during install, nor does it have a second gear strut, anchor, or servo cover to install. However, you need to do a relearn so I'd your terrified of using a Bluetooth scanner or scan tool, then 48re might seem easier... in short the 68rfe kit is faster and easier to install, but takes a little bit of computer effort to finish.
I've got 280,000 miles on my 68rfe and it is running fine. But, if the ZF8 buys me a 10% increase in mileage then I am interested trying it rather than a rebuild.
A 10% increase in fuel economy would be great... but probably not likely on any modern turbo diesel.
Even though this is mainly for diesels with their low end torque, do you think doing a valve body would still be worth it for a 1500 with a 5.7 hemi?
Yeah, a valve body upgrade can still be worth it for a 1500 with a 5.7 Hemi, especially if you tow, haul, or just want firmer, more responsive shifts. Even though gas engines don’t have the same low-end torque as a diesel, an improved valve body can help keep the engine in its powerband better, reduce slip, and extend transmission life by reducing heat and wear.
If your truck has the 545RFE or 8-speed (8HP70), the benefits depend on what you're after:
545RFE: A shift kit or upgraded valve body can help with quicker shifts, firmer engagement, and better durability, especially if you tune the engine.
8HP70: It’s already a solid transmission, but tuning or a valve body upgrade can sharpen shifts. However, tuning is often more effective for these than mechanical upgrades.
If your trans is already shifting well and you’re not experiencing sluggish or sloppy shifts, it may not be a must-do, but if you want snappier performance, it’s definitely worth considering
What is a 68? Where did it come from? I heard that one of these was converted from the Voyager minivan
Do you believe everything you hear, or do you look into it yourself?
They did come from the 45rfe, which was definitely not a "heavy duty" application.
While the 68rfe shares the same basic design and operation of the 45rfe, it's not a simple "conversion". There are many upgrades to accommodate the higher demand of the Cummins. The 45rfe was made for light applications (SUVs), the 68rfe for what Chrysler considered HD (3/4+ ton Pickups).
Additionally, the 45rfe first appeared in 1999 and was installed in the following vehicles, none which are minivans:
1999-2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.7 L)
2002-early 2003 Jeep Liberty (3.7 L)
2000-2002 Dodge Dakota (4.7 L)
and "(3.9 L) Sport Edition Dakota"
2000-2002 Dodge Durango (4.7 L)
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 (3.7 L and 4.7 L)
The Voyager you mentioned had the following transmissions throughout the years, and none were the 45rfe or any variant there of:
1st & 2nd Gen, 1988-1990/1990-1995:
3-speed A413 automatic
3-speed A670 automatic
4-speed A604 automatic
3rd & 4th Gen 1995-2000/2000-2007:
3-speed 31TH automatic
4-speed 41TE automatic
5th Gen 2007-2016:
6-speed 62TE automatic
This information took less than a minute to find, read, and comprehend which is probably less time than it took you to type,
_"What is a 68? Where did it come from? I heard that one of these was converted from the Voyager minivan"_
Let that sink it.
👍💪
Thumbs Up!!!
There is an Australian RUclipsr www.youtube.com/@TJANDMAC who have a Cummins powered truck with a ZF 8 speed from a car in it. They are using a TurboLamik controller, which has turned oui to be the best option with these transmissions
I will have to check them out.