2017 Ram 68RFE Question

[mudfuel07]

Was this a pretty reliable transmission? Looking at a 2017 2500 with it that has about 75k miles on it.

[Super_Dave]

Grit dog wrote:

What you can’t do is add 2 more gears to the 48, which is a real hinderance to the Cummins performance when towing, with only 4 gears.

Exactly.

[Grit_dog]

Those of you that are “pretty sure” you can’t do it are mistaken.
And yes you can build a 48 to hold insane power, same as you can build a 68 to do the same.
What you can’t do is add 2 more gears to the 48, which is a real hinderance to the Cummins performance when towing, with only 4 gears.

[FishOnOne]

Ron3rd wrote:

Super_Dave wrote:
When my 48R dies can it be replaced with the 68R?

From what I've read, while you can't swap to the 68R, you can bring your 48 up to 68 standards with some heavy duty aftermarket parts

I'm pretty sure the aftermarket parts can make a 48 exceed a 68. Having said that our 05 dodge with its aftermarket 48 gave up the ghost a few months ago and got ditched for a standard mopar rebuild.

Having said that I would take a stock 68 over a pos 48 any day.

[Ron3rd]

Super_Dave wrote:
When my 48R dies can it be replaced with the 68R?

From what I've read, while you can't swap to the 68R, you can bring your 48 up to 68 standards with some heavy duty aftermarket parts

[gkainz]

wilber1 wrote:

... The 5.9 would be great with a six speed.

it is. 😄

my current tow vehicle - 2007 2500 5.9l Cummins 6 speed manual

[wilber1]

Super_Dave wrote:
When my 48R dies can it be replaced with the 68R?

There didn’t used to be, too many computers involved between the 6.7 and 68RFE. Maybe someone has figured it out by now, The 5.9 would be great with a six speed.

[Grit_dog]

Super_Dave wrote:
When my 48R dies can it be replaced with the 68R?

Anything “can” be done but it won’t be practical or cheap. There are conversion kits and physically they are about the same length. But if you’re going to go through the trouble of building a frankentruck, just swap an Allison into it.
Or a 6 speed manual if it’s a dedicated tow rig.
68re would not be the top of the list if I was building a truck. Better options available.

[Super_Dave]

When my 48R dies can it be replaced with the 68R?

[mudfuel07]

Ron3rd wrote:
I've got the same trans in my 2019 2500 and from what I've read over the years, it seems to hold up fine. Not many problems with that Trans or any other offerings from the Big 3. Live others said, the key is maintenance.

Ron, you were one of the reasons that I changed up from the Tundra since we were both in the same boat.

[whjco]

mudfuel07 wrote:
Thanks for all the info. I pick it up tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait to hook to the trailer for the first time!

Be forewarned. You'll have a really tough time wiping the smile off of your face after you feel how that Cummins pulls your trailer. 🙂

I have a 2015 2500 CTD that has the same transmission. I've run up about 86k on it and the only problem I've had is an axle seal that needed replacement. The transmission has been trouble free.

As for the mileage, I'll echo the comments of a previous poster. The mileage on a truck of that age were probably highway miles. I wouldn't worry about it because that's not many miles for a truck like that.

Enjoy your new acquisition! Congratulations!

Bill J.
Lexington, KY

[mudfuel07]

Thanks for all the info. I pick it up tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait to hook to the trailer for the first time!

[dodge_guy]

Grit dog wrote:

dodge guy wrote:

Grit dog wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
“Actually, they are all reliable IF you take care of them as in change the fluid and filter.”

Except on my 2019 Silverado...no dip stick.

So the trans can’t be serviced? Lol

Yes it can. You just have to know how to do it

I know. 😉

Haven't had a dipstick on the last 4 personal vehicles I've done a trans service on. The Mustang was/is unique, but super easy if you make an extension/valve for the drain/fill plug on the pan. It may be the first trans service I've ever done without spilling one drop of fluid, literally.

Ah! Missed the LOL.
I know the F150 is a pain. You’ll burn the skin off your hand trying to fill/check it!

On the 6 speed. The fluid needs to be changed more often than what the manuf recommends. At 60k miles it’s black!!! I’ve seen the valve body’s hangup due to the contaminated fluid. Keep it changed and you will not have any problem.

[Ron3rd]

I've got the same trans in my 2019 2500 and from what I've read over the years, it seems to hold up fine. Not many problems with that Trans or any other offerings from the Big 3. Live others said, the key is maintenance.

[Grit_dog]

dodge guy wrote:

Grit dog wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
“Actually, they are all reliable IF you take care of them as in change the fluid and filter.”

Except on my 2019 Silverado...no dip stick.

So the trans can’t be serviced? Lol

Yes it can. You just have to know how to do it

I know. 😉

Haven't had a dipstick on the last 4 personal vehicles I've done a trans service on. The Mustang was/is unique, but super easy if you make an extension/valve for the drain/fill plug on the pan. It may be the first trans service I've ever done without spilling one drop of fluid, literally.