Any 68RFE trans problems or dislikes?

[RACE427]

Last Friday I was able to road test a new 09 Laramie 4X4 3500 crew cab, long bed with the 68RFE trans. This truck was loaded with more options than I would ever need. Just want to know how the 68RFE is holding up from those of you who are driving one. I am leaning towards the 6 spd manual box this time around. I have to admit that the 68RFE performed well. The truck had a nice ride to it, very smooth and not choppy at all. The auto trans would probably make for a better all purpose truck. My goal to use the newer truck for camping purposes on some cross country trips.



Thanks !!! Tony G

 

[SStrano]

I had a NV5600 before in my '04. 5... I much prefer the 68RFE myself. Only sometimes in the really slick weather do I miss the stick. Overall I'm thrilled and I won't go back.



Granted my 5600 shifted like absolute crap vs. a friend's that shifted great and a G56 is again completely different. I guess it comes down to what you want. I'm very happy with my choice, just wish it had a little lower stall converter...

 

[Regcabguy]

If the 68rfe would have been an option on my '07 5. 9,I would have ordered it. I test drove a 48re and knew that I was going to have to sink big bucks into it. The G-56 is an easy shifter though. Go for the auto.

 

[RACE427]

68rfe

This is why I posted this question. Any auto trans. can be made to perform by adding alot of money in modified parts to them. I can totally agree to adding a shift kit to a stock trans. to tighten up it's shift quality. But, to add alot of $$ to correct factory flaws on a stock truck to use it as designed is a crime. One of my concerns is the factory torque convertor on the 68RFE, I guessed that Chrysler would have given it a higher stall speed to cushion the engine torque and protect the drivetrain.



I would install a Trans Go shift kit to tighten up the factory sloppiness and overlap in shifts.



No one wants to purchase a vehicle and have to bring it back to the dealer many times over for recalls to repair factory defects or design flaws. Same with the 68RFE, it is in it's teething stages. Have heard, other than it is an Aisian Trans. who actually builds it for Chrysler? What is the maximum torque it is rated for and how does it compare to the Allison. I had a couple of friends who each fried their auto trans. , one in a 03 Duramax and the other in a 03 F-350 7. 3 towing 5th wheels. Both on trips while in California, maybe it was related to the sun? :-laf



With the amount of money it takes to purchase a new Dodge it would be a killer to have to dump more hard earned cash into it so it can do what it was supposedly designed to do from day one. If I still worked for Chrysler then I would know what works and what does not just by being exposed to what enters the shop for warranty repairs. Being out of a Chrysler repair shop puts me at a disadvantage. Listened to one Chrysler mechanic many years ago and he claimed the 47RE was a Hemi Torqueflite so it could handle the Cummins 5. 9, man was he wrong !!!!!! Maybe he knows trannys but he does not know diesels!

 

[Garlic]

I have had no issues with mine. The truck will stay stock for some time and the match of the trans/engine and truck seem to be well thought out. Lock up in gears 2-6 are fantastic. The combination of the EB and T/H mode work well. A few "chuggels' when it tries to find the right place to be sometimes occurs, but over all a great combo. Besides I really like the truck and with 24K on it and no service issues I could not be happier.

 

[MHammond]

garlic seems to be having the same results as i am having basicly only beef is the rare hunting issue. overall a well matched engine and trans package, only wish the eb wouldn't cut out at 40 km.













07. 5 3500 4x4 quad long 68rfe 32000 km.

 

[Simplysmn]

go for the auto you wont be sorry less shifting IMO clutch wise that is

 

[Trashdawg]

68RFE holds up well to near factory horsepower. Have had to replace the selenoid assembly on one 08 that had 80k on it. Its around a $300-$400 dollar part.

 

[HBarlow]

I know that DTT purchased a new Ram with 68RFE when they were introduced in late '07 with the intention of testing/abusing one and developing parts and techniques for improving them. I would expect that all of the several aftermarket automatic transmission vendors would be offering parts to tighten the torque convertors and modify the valve bodies in a year or two.

Although it works great as is, I wish someone would do the same to tighten up the Aisin just a little but the numbers of Dodge Rams with Aisin transmissions are very small compared to the numbers of pickups sold with 68RFE transmissions and I don't expect anyone to develop mods for the Aisin.

 

[jimnance]

I really couldn't be happier with my 68RFE. Tow haul works very well, and shifting is reasonably crisp compared to some of the old auto's. I suppose a T/C with a lower stall speed would be OK, but it's nowhere near the top of my list of things I'd like to do.

 

[ekroman]

I've got 5700 miles on my '08 with the 68RFE. When I decided to look for a new truck, I was fairly certain I was looking for a manual transmission. I had it with the Autos, with their flaccid shifting in heavy traffic, and feeling like half the time, when I stepped on the gas, the engine would be churning but the transmission would be fighting it, just churning and generating heat.



The 68RFE is a totally different experience. It seems like it's well adapted to use with the 6. 7, instead of being some cobbled up gasser transmission which can't make up it's mind what's going on.



Eddie

 

[AClayton]

I've got 5700 miles on my '08 with the 68RFE. When I decided to look for a new truck, I was fairly certain I was looking for a manual transmission. I had it with the Autos, with their flaccid shifting in heavy traffic, and feeling like half the time, when I stepped on the gas, the engine would be churning but the transmission would be fighting it, just churning and generating heat.



The 68RFE is a totally different experience. It seems like it's well adapted to use with the 6. 7, instead of being some cobbled up gasser transmission which can't make up it's mind what's going on.



Eddie

I agree... . my truck has the dreaded 47re and what a POS!You try and accelerate and the Cummins puts the power out and the trans seems to soak it all up and waste rpm's for nothing. The single biggest advantage to any diesel specific transmission is to be able to the lock the convertor as soon as possible... . the 68rfe and Allison do this shortly after 2nd gear is chosen. I don't even bother trying to accelerate briskly until after I manually lock my ATS 5-Star with the Co-Pilot. Sure wish I had a manual in my truck#@$%!

 

[Pat@BD]

I love the one that is in the truck I drive. We pull a 40ft trailer with a race car in it and havent had any problems. We run the Juice with attitude on it and the exhaust seems to be free flowing from the turbo now It works awesome with the exhaust brake as well.

 

[gsbrockman]

I had a NV5600 before in my '04. 5... I much prefer the 68RFE myself.

I, too, came from an NV5600 and I really love the 68RFE... ... mine has been flawless thru 23k miles.



Greg

 

[DPKetchum]

If i read your post correctly you state that the 68RFE is a Aisian trans?(spelling?) If so NO. They are TWO entirely different units. The Aisan comes in the Cab Chassis units and the Chrysler built 68RFE comes in the 2500/3500 trucks. Two different trans manufacturers and entirely different. The 68RFE being entirly Chrysler design and built.

 

[MDussault]

I have a 07. 5 that I bought new in Miami last Oct, it is equiped with the 69RFE. I drove 5000 miles without towing and after I changed motor oil, I started south bound from westenr Canada, towing my 17000 pounds HitchHicker. 400 miles down the road the truck went on a safe mode (half power) and in 4th gear going up and down the hils in north eastern Montana. I found out later that if I turn off the engine and restart, the trans will shift from 1 to 4 but still with half the power of the engine (I think). We made it to Glendive Montana and at the dealer they found out that a solenoid in the trans shifter was not reacting. They had to order a new valve body or shifter fron Denver Colorado, and 4 days later we were on our way to Puerto Vallarta Mexico. The transmission worked great after this incident.

As you Know there are big mountains in Mexico and the combination 68RFE and Exhaust brake is a winner as far as I am concern.

MDussault

 

[PaulBarker]

Same issues as the Alison Transmission. Clutches and Bands are not big enough, and not much room for much.



I will not doubt that you will see 48RE bolt up kit for the 6. 7 like the Duramax's have. Fastest Duramax has a 48RE bolted to it. just something to think about