Inside a 68RFE Transmission Failure: What We Found in a 2012 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins

Recently, a 2012 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins came into our shop with shifting concerns. Like every transmission problem, the first step wasn't to guess—it was to diagnose.

After removing the 68RFE transmission, we completely disassembled it to inspect every internal component. What we found was one of the more severe overdrive clutch failures we've seen.

The Diagnosis

Once the transmission was apart, it was clear the overdrive (OD) clutch pack had suffered a major failure. The excessive heat and clutch material caused significant damage to the input drum, making it unusable.

The good news? The major hard parts of the transmission case survived without catastrophic damage. That meant we had the opportunity to rebuild the transmission instead of replacing the entire unit.

This is exactly why a complete teardown is so important. From the outside, two transmission failures can present the same symptoms, but internally they can tell completely different stories.

Why the 68RFE Fails

The 68RFE is found in many Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins diesel. It's a capable transmission, but like any automatic transmission, heat, heavy towing, increased horsepower, neglected maintenance, or worn clutch packs can eventually lead to failure.

Common signs of a failing 68RFE include:

• Slipping between gears
• Delayed engagement
• Hard or erratic shifts
• Loss of overdrive
• Burnt transmission fluid
• Transmission overheating
• Check Engine or transmission warning lights

Ignoring these warning signs can allow internal damage to spread, turning a repair into a much larger rebuild.

The Solution

After inspecting the damage, we recommended upgrading the transmission with a Randy's Transmissions 68RFE Stage 2 Billet Rebuild Kit, complete with the proper transmission tuning.

This rebuild includes upgraded internal components designed to improve durability, clutch holding capacity, and overall reliability. It's an excellent option for owners who tow regularly, use their truck for work, or simply want a stronger transmission than the factory configuration.

Why Proper Diagnosis Matters

One of the biggest misconceptions about transmission repair is that every failure requires a complete replacement.

In reality, every transmission should be inspected before recommendations are made. A professional teardown allows technicians to identify exactly what failed, determine which components are reusable, and recommend the repair that makes the most sense for the customer.

That approach helps avoid unnecessary parts replacement while ensuring the transmission is rebuilt correctly the first time.

Need 68RFE Transmission Repair in New Braunfels?

If your Ram 2500 or Ram 3500 is experiencing transmission problems, don't wait until the damage becomes more extensive. Early diagnosis can often prevent additional internal damage and help you make informed repair decisions.

At Texas Complete Truck Center, we provide professional diagnostics, transmission repairs, rebuilds, and replacements for Ford Power Stroke, Ram Cummins, and GM Duramax light-duty diesel trucks.

Whether you're experiencing slipping, hard shifting, transmission overheating, or complete transmission failure, our team is here to help get your truck back on the road with confidence.

Schedule your transmission inspection today and let our team diagnose the problem before it gets worse.