68rfe

[CAPN Harley]

Hey folks I work at a dealership in Arkansas, I have a customer that is looking for a good aftermarket 68rfe, His truck is tuned and modified so he needs a beefy trans, any suggestions are appreciated

 

[HBarlow]

If you mean your customer wants to have a professional heavy duty aftermarket rebuild of his 68RFE I recommend this guy in Midlothian Texas. His name is James Northrum. He did a full DTT rebuild on my '06 when I was transporting RVs.

James Transmission Technology - (972) 467-3702 - Home

I recommend James without reservation. He is experienced, skilled, and honest. He does the rebuilds using DTT (Diesel Transmission Technology) components developed by Bill and Stefen Kondolay.

 

[Bob4x4]

With the 68 a good majority of the upgrading will need to be via software. I have seen H&S has some software available but I have not played with it yet

 

[HBarlow]

That's interesting. Hadn't thought of that.

Is the level of computerization on the 68RE so extensive that the traditional rebuild methods won't allow tightening of launch and shifts without reprogramming computer controls?

I haven't heard or read any talk of upgrading the six speed automatics yet so don't know if anyone is doing it.

Does anyone know if DTT is building 68REs? Three years ago Stefen Kondolay reportedly purchased a new '07. 5. and Bill and he were supposed to be reverse engineering one.

 

[2Rowdy]

I have a Suncoast mega rebuild with a triple disc convertor and it comes with with a new tcm, I have the stage III tuning(B & G Chysler or Modern Horsepower) due to an after aftermarket turbo. I would recommend it to anyone.

 

[HBarlow]

I have a Suncoast mega rebuild with a triple disc convertor and it comes with with a new tcm, I have the stage III tuning(B & G Chysler or Modern Horsepower) due to an after aftermarket turbo. I would recommend it to anyone.

I knew you had yours rebuilt but I didn't know you installed all the aftermarket upgrades.

Were you able to tighten the torque converter and clutches for hard launches and tight shifts without changing computer programming?

 

[Bob4x4]

This description may help.



The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is the “heart” or “brain” of the electronic control system and relies on information from various direct and indirect inputs (sensors, switches, etc. ) to determine driver demand and vehicle operating conditions. Depending on the vehicle configuration, the TCM may be a standalone module or it may be housed along with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) in a single module. With this information, the TCM can calculate and perform timely and quality shifts through various output or control devices (solenoid pack, transmission control relay, etc. ).

 

[Bob4x4]

The 68RFE offers full electronic control of all automatic up and downshifts, and features real-time adaptive closed-loop shift and pressure control. Electronic shift and torque converter clutch controls help protect the transmission from damage due to high temperatures, which can occur under severe operating conditions. By altering shift schedules, line pressure, and converter clutch control, these controls reduce heat generation and increase transmission cooling.



To help reduce efficiency-robbing parasitic losses, the transmissions includes a dual-stage transmission fluid pump with electronic output pressure control. Under most driving conditions, pump output capacity greatly exceeds that which is needed to keep the clutches applied. The 68RFE pump-pressure control system monitors input torque and adjusts the pump pressure accordingly. The primary stage of the pump works continuously; the second stage is bypassed when demand is low. The control system also monitors input and output speed and, if incipient clutch slip is observed, the pressure control solenoid duty cycle is varied, increasing pressure in proportion to demand.



A high-travel torque converter damper assembly allows earlier torque converter clutch engagement to reduce slippage. Needle-type thrust bearings reduce internal friction. The 68RFE is packaged in a one-piece die-cast aluminum case. To reduce NVH, the case has high lateral, vertical and torsional stiffness. Dual filters protect the pump and other components. A cooler return filter is added to the customary main sump filter. Independent lubrication and cooler circuits assure ample pressure for normal transmission operation even if the cooler is obstructed or the fluid cannot flow due to extremely low temperatures.

 

[HBarlow]

Is it your opinion that the transmission is so sophisticated and exercises such complete control of torque converter lock and clutche engagements that traditional aftermarket torque converters and clutches cannot be effectively used?

 

[2Rowdy]

I was told and have read if you put in all the hard parts and heavy clutches it makes absolutly no difference without upgraded tcm tuning.

 

[HBarlow]

Hmmmm. That's very interesting. We now live in an age of computers. The computers are apparently slowly taking over control of our ability to modify or influence mechanical devices we thought we owned.

 

[BurlesonR]

The 68RFE offers full electronic control of all automatic up and downshifts, and features real-time adaptive closed-loop shift and pressure control. Electronic shift and torque converter clutch controls help protect the transmission from damage due to high temperatures, which can occur under severe operating conditions. By altering shift schedules, line pressure, and converter clutch control, these controls reduce heat generation and increase transmission cooling.



To help reduce efficiency-robbing parasitic losses, the transmissions includes a dual-stage transmission fluid pump with electronic output pressure control. Under most driving conditions, pump output capacity greatly exceeds that which is needed to keep the clutches applied. The 68RFE pump-pressure control system monitors input torque and adjusts the pump pressure accordingly. The primary stage of the pump works continuously; the second stage is bypassed when demand is low. The control system also monitors input and output speed and, if incipient clutch slip is observed, the pressure control solenoid duty cycle is varied, increasing pressure in proportion to demand.



A high-travel torque converter damper assembly allows earlier torque converter clutch engagement to reduce slippage. Needle-type thrust bearings reduce internal friction. The 68RFE is packaged in a one-piece die-cast aluminum case. To reduce NVH, the case has high lateral, vertical and torsional stiffness. Dual filters protect the pump and other components. A cooler return filter is added to the customary main sump filter. Independent lubrication and cooler circuits assure ample pressure for normal transmission operation even if the cooler is obstructed or the fluid cannot flow due to extremely low temperatures.

So... . In other words the 68rfe is one sophisticated, bad azz, heavy duty auto transmission?... .



Thanks for posting that description Bob.

 

[MrLuckey]

Sun Coast Converters Diesel Transmissions, Fort Walton Beach FL



They have options for under and over 500 hp, Custom TCM Calibration is included.

 

[CAPN Harley]

So what I am understanding if I replaced his transmission with a stock one and no tuning is done to the tcm he will be in the same boat in no time. His truck is modified an d he does not have parts to return to stock.

 

[Bob4x4]

So what I am understanding if I replaced his transmission with a stock one and no tuning is done to the tcm he will be in the same boat in no time. His truck is modified an d he does not have parts to return to stock.

Yes,,,,,,,

 

[2Rowdy]

You can get an upgraded tcm for a stock transmission. All I have heard has been positive. Call Modern Horsepower performance tuning, aftermarket upgrades, chips, and performance parts; including exhaust systems. and tell them what you are doing and they should be able to help you out. Btw I am not affiliated with them in any way.

 

[PaulBarker]

I am running the SunCoast race transmission in my truck now. It has been good to me as the truck is only at 408hp/877ftlbs. THough the truck is getting new life soon with 150hp tips and a big CP3. Not sure how it is going to like but Suncoast is the best option for now and probably ever. Ron is working son some new stuff that may change how we look at the 68's.

 

[BurlesonR]

Ron is working son some new stuff that may change how we look at the 68's.

How are "we looking at the 68's" with stock power levels? From all the info I've gathered it sounds reliable at stock levels even pulling over the GCWR. Is this correct?