68RFE Build Guide | Choosing the Right Stage for Your Cummins Truck

The Dodge and Ram 2500 and 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins make serious torque, but the factory 68RFE transmission was never designed for heavy towing or power tuning. The right build transforms drivability, keeps fluid temperatures stable, and prevents common failures. Here’s how each 68RFE build level compares in price, power capacity, and purpose.

View all available 68RFE transmissions and parts here: Inglewood Transmission 68RFE Catalog.

68RFE Build Levels at a Glance

Build	Price	Power Target	Best For	Key Highlights
Stock Plus 68RFE	$5,400	Stock–Mild Tune	Daily use, light towing	Better than OEM rebuild, smooth shifts, longer life
Stage 1 68RFE	$6,595	Up to 500 HP	Frequent towing, work trucks	Added clutch area, hydraulic calibration, converter stability
Stage 1.5 68RFE	$7,495	500–650 HP	Frequent towing, mild tuning	More headroom than Stage 1, without Stage 2 cost
Stage 2 68RFE	$9,700	Up to 750 HP	Built trucks that still tow heavy	Upgraded hard parts, high-pressure calibration, race-ready durability
Stage 3 68RFE	$10,900	Up to 900 HP	Extreme builds, competition setups	Maximum clutch count and billet internals

Understanding What Changes Between Stages

Each step up adds more clutch capacity, stronger internals, and refined pressure control. Stage 1 focuses on heavy towing reliability, while Stage 3 is for trucks making huge power. The goal is not just to handle torque but to keep temperatures and pressure consistent so the transmission lives longer.

• Stock Plus: Ideal for daily drivers or light-duty towing.
• Stage 1: Adds clutch capacity and better control for frequent towing.
• Stage 1.5: A middle option for mild power increases and regular towing.
• Stage 2: Built for high power and heavy trailers without compromising smooth shifts.
• Stage 3: Maximum performance and competition-level torque handling.

Recommended Supporting Upgrades

Valve Body and Drums

• I.T Billet 68RFE Valve Body — $1,295. Improves pressure stability and cleaner shifts.
• Inglewood Transmission Loaded Sonnax Drum — $850. Strengthens clutch engagement and reliability.

Torque Converters

• Goerend Dual Disc 15SS — $1,234 (Limited Supply)
• Goerend Triple Disc 15SS — $1,495 (Limited Supply)
• Goerend Triple Disc 17SS — $1,495

Transmission Coolers

• Mishimoto 2003–2009 Cummins Cooler — $604.95
• Mishimoto 2010–2012 Cummins Cooler — $571.95
• Mishimoto 2013–2014 Cummins Cooler — $596.95
• Mishimoto 2015–2018 Cummins Cooler — $596.95

Flexplate

• SunCoast 2019+ 68RFE/AS69 Billet SFI Flexplate — $536. Helps maintain converter alignment under high torque.

Which Build Fits You Best

• Daily driver or farm truck: Stock Plus
• Tows equipment or campers weekly: Stage 1
• Plans for modest tuning later: Stage 1.5
• Runs higher horsepower and still tows: Stage 2
• Maximum power, race, or sled pull use: Stage 3

Pricing disclaimer: All prices are for the product only. Installation, shipping, cores, and fluids are separate unless otherwise listed on the product page. Check for current availability and lead times before ordering.

Ready to Build Your 68RFE

• Stock Plus 68RFE – $5,400
• Stage 1 68RFE – $6,595
• Stage 1.5 68RFE – $7,495
• Stage 2 68RFE – $9,700
• Stage 3 68RFE – $10,900

Need help matching a build to your tow weight, terrain, or power setup? Contact Inglewood Transmission for a personalized recommendation and lead time.