68RFE Shift Kit 1999-10

If your early 6.7L Cummins Ram keeps cooking Overdrive clutches, bangs the converter clutch on and off, or sets a low line pressure code once the truck has more power than it left the factory with, this is the hydraulic fix TransGo built for it. This listing is the TransGo RFE-7B-HP High Pressure Tuneless Reprogramming Kit. TransGo rates it for the 45RFE, 545RFE, 65RFE, 66RFE and 68RFE built from 1999 through 2010, and only for units with the 7-check-ball valve body. On a 68RFE that means the early trucks from the 2007.5 launch until the valve body change around 2010.

What this shift kit does in a 68RFE

The 68RFE is a clutch-to-clutch six-speed. The transmission computer commands each shift through solenoids, but how much pressure actually reaches a clutch, and how fast, is set by the valve body, the separator plate and the accumulators. A stock unit behind a tuned or towing Cummins runs out of clamping force on the Overdrive clutch first, because the factory OD steels are thin single-sided plates that warp when they get hot. The RFE-7B-HP raises line pressure and recalibrates the circuits without needing a computer tune, which is what TransGo means by Tuneless. The kit contains a triple valve body separator plate, valve body gaskets, a pressure regulator spring, a drop-in torque converter limit valve system, a heavy duty accumulator plate, recalibrated OD accumulator springs and shim, a self-cleaning low/reverse switch valve and end plug, accumulator seals, TCC accumulator springs and retainer, a heavy duty input drum snap ring, and the drill jig, bit and deburring tool for the case work in the instructions.

Symptoms this kit is built to correct

• Burnt Overdrive frictions after adding horsepower or towing heavy
• Rough converter lock-up, TCC slide bang, or converter clutch slip codes
• Low line pressure with code P0868
• Limp-in mode tied to pressure faults
• Fluid drain-back after the truck sits

One limit matters: TransGo notes that high-mileage RFE units often come in with P0841, P0871, P0988, P1775 or P1776 from wear in the solenoid switch valve bore. This kit includes a new L/R switch valve, but it does not repair a worn solenoid switch valve bore. That needs a separate switch valve repair kit or a valve body.

How to confirm before you buy

Pull codes and check the fluid first. A pan full of friction material means the clutches are already gone and the kit belongs inside a rebuild, not under a pan job. Read the 68RFE won't shift into overdrive guide to separate an OD clutch failure from a computer strategy or limp mode, and our 68RFE harsh shift causes article covers adaptives and software that can mimic a hardware problem.

Fitment

The deciding factor is the valve body, not the model year on the title. Drop the pan and count the check balls in the valve body, or check your separator plate against the instruction sheet. Seven check balls means this kit. A 5-check-ball valve body needs TransGo's RFE-5B-HP instead, and 2019-on 68RFE units with the blue connector need a different kit such as the TransGo SK 68RFE-19UP. If your truck has been rebuilt, the previous shop may have swapped valve bodies, so do not trust the year alone. Send us your year and VIN if you want a second check. Everything we carry for this transmission is on the 68RFE parts page.

Install notes

• This is a valve body and accumulator job with some drilling. Follow TransGo's printed instructions in order, use the supplied jig and bit, and deburr every hole so no chips go back into the unit.
• Lay the old springs, valves and check balls out in order as they come out so you can compare each piece before reassembly.
• If the Overdrive clutch is already burned, rebuild it during the same job. Our 68RFE master rebuild kit covers frictions, steels and seals.
• A deep aluminum 68RFE pan adds fluid capacity for a truck that tows.
• Refill with ATF+4, set the level hot, then clear codes and run the quick learn with a scan tool so the computer relearns clutch volumes on the new hydraulics.

Will this fit my 2014 Ram 2500 with the 68RFE?

Probably not. TransGo rates the RFE-7B-HP for 1999-2010 units with the 7-check-ball valve body only. Most later 68RFE units use the 5-ball valve body and need the RFE-5B-HP. Count the check balls when the pan is off, or send us your VIN.

Do I need a tuner or new software with this kit?

No. TransGo calls it a Tuneless kit because it raises pressure and recalibrates the circuits hydraulically, so it works without changing the transmission computer calibration.

Will it fix P0871 or P0841 codes?

Not by itself if the cause is a worn solenoid switch valve bore. TransGo points those codes on high-mileage units to bore wear, which needs a switch valve repair kit or a replacement valve body.

Can I install it without pulling the transmission?

The valve body and accumulator work is done from under the pan, but read the instructions first. The heavy duty input drum snap ring is only usable if the unit is apart, so most people install the whole kit during a rebuild.

What fluid should I use afterward?

ATF+4. Check the level with the fluid hot and the engine running, then run the quick learn so shift quality settles.

• 68RFE Won't Shift Into Overdrive: Strategy, Limp Mode or a Real Failure
• 68RFE Harsh Shift Causes and Fix: Software, Adaptives or Hardware
• 68RFE Shift Solenoid Symptoms, Testing and Replacement
• 68RFE Ram 2500 Cummins Common Problems and Fixes