The 68RFE six-speed automated transmission is manufactured by FCA US LLC (previously Chrysler Group LLC). This heavy-duty transmission is designed for longitudinal engine purposes and is often present in Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickup vehicles and a few business autos. It’s recognized for its sturdy building and skill to deal with important torque output from diesel and gasoline engines.
This transmission performs a vital function in offering dependable energy supply and towing functionality in demanding purposes. Its improvement represents a major development in heavy-duty transmission expertise, contributing to the efficiency and sturdiness anticipated by homeowners of those autos. The historical past of this transmission is carefully tied to the evolution of professional quality pickup vehicles and their growing energy and towing capacities.
Additional exploration of subjects corresponding to particular purposes, technical specs, widespread upkeep necessities, and potential troubleshooting points will present a complete understanding of this transmission’s capabilities and significance inside the automotive business.
1. FCA US LLC (Stellantis)
FCA US LLC, now working beneath the Stellantis umbrella, holds unique duty for the 68RFE transmission’s manufacture. This integral connection stems from the transmission’s preliminary improvement inside Chrysler Group LLC (a predecessor to FCA US LLC) particularly for its heavy-duty truck lineup. This in-house improvement and subsequent manufacturing technique guarantee tight management over high quality, design, and integration with different powertrain parts. The Kokomo, Indiana transmission plant serves as the only real manufacturing facility for the 68RFE, additional solidifying the direct hyperlink between Stellantis and this transmission. This concentrated manufacturing permits for specialised experience and environment friendly provide chain administration inside the Stellantis community.
Examples of autos geared up with the 68RFE, such because the Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickup vehicles, clearly display this connection. These vehicles, core merchandise inside the Stellantis portfolio, depend on the 68RFE for dealing with the substantial torque generated by their diesel and gasoline engines. Moreover, the appliance of the 68RFE in sure business autos underscores its function as a sturdy and reliable powertrain part very important to Stellantis’s business automobile choices.
Understanding the unique manufacturing relationship between Stellantis and the 68RFE transmission gives priceless context for upkeep, repairs, and components sourcing. It emphasizes the significance of counting on Stellantis-authorized service facilities or components distributors for real parts and specialised experience. This connection additionally highlights Stellantiss dedication to heavy-duty powertrain expertise and its continued funding in its Kokomo, Indiana manufacturing facility.
2. Heavy-duty transmission
The 68RFE’s classification as a heavy-duty transmission straight pertains to its producer, Stellantis (previously FCA US LLC), and their give attention to equipping heavy-duty autos with sturdy powertrain parts. This designation signifies the transmission’s meant use in demanding purposes requiring larger torque capability and sturdiness, corresponding to towing heavy hundreds and working beneath strenuous circumstances. Stellantis, recognizing the necessity for a transmission able to withstanding these stresses, developed the 68RFE particularly for his or her line of Ram heavy-duty vehicles and sure business autos. The design and building of the 68RFE replicate this heavy-duty focus, incorporating options like strengthened inside parts and superior management methods to handle elevated energy and torque output from bigger diesel and gasoline engines.
The sensible implications of this connection are important. Autos geared up with the 68RFE, corresponding to Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles, achieve enhanced towing and hauling capabilities, making them appropriate for demanding work and leisure actions. This heavy-duty design additionally contributes to improved longevity and reliability in difficult working environments. Moreover, the affiliation between Stellantis and the 68RFE underscores the producer’s dedication to offering sturdy and performance-oriented powertrain options for its heavy-duty automobile clients. This dedication extends to the specialised upkeep and restore providers provided by way of Stellantis-authorized service facilities, making certain correct take care of these sturdy transmissions.
In abstract, the 68RFE’s heavy-duty classification straight displays its meant use and the producer’s strategic give attention to offering sturdy and succesful powertrain options. This understanding is essential for automobile homeowners and repair professionals alike, informing applicable upkeep practices and emphasizing the significance of using approved service channels. The 68RFE stands as a key part in Stellantis’s heavy-duty automobile lineup, contributing considerably to the efficiency, reliability, and total functionality of those autos.
3. Six-speed automated
The 68RFE’s classification as a six-speed automated transmission is an important side of its id and performance, straight linked to its producer, Stellantis. This design selection displays a steadiness between efficiency, gas effectivity, and towing functionality, key concerns for the heavy-duty autos by which it’s generally discovered.
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Gear Ratios and Torque Capability
The six ahead gear ratios inside the 68RFE are strategically chosen to offer optimum energy supply and gas financial system throughout a spread of working circumstances. The transmission’s potential to deal with excessive torque output is a direct results of Stellantis’s engineering, enabling the 68RFE to handle the substantial energy generated by the diesel and gasoline engines usually present in heavy-duty Ram vehicles. This cautious calibration of drugs ratios contributes to the transmission’s potential to steadiness efficiency and effectivity.
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Digital Management and Shift Methods
The 68RFE incorporates refined digital controls governing shift patterns and total transmission conduct. This enables for adaptive shift methods primarily based on driving circumstances and cargo, optimizing efficiency and gas effectivity. The digital management system, developed by Stellantis, is integral to the transmission’s responsiveness and its potential to seamlessly handle energy supply in numerous situations, from towing heavy trailers to navigating metropolis visitors.
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Tow/Haul Mode and its Implications
The Tow/Haul mode, a function inside the 68RFE’s digital management system, additional emphasizes its connection to Stellantis’s give attention to heavy-duty purposes. This mode adjusts shift patterns and torque converter lockup methods for optimum towing efficiency, decreasing pressure on the transmission and enhancing gas financial system whereas hauling heavy hundreds. This function underscores Stellantis’s recognition of the 68RFE’s main function in enabling the towing capabilities of Ram vehicles and different heavy-duty autos.
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Impression on Driving Expertise and Gasoline Financial system
The six-speed automated design contributes considerably to the general driving expertise in autos geared up with the 68RFE. The sleek, managed shifting offered by the digital controls enhances driver consolation, notably in heavy-duty purposes the place frequent shifting may in any other case be crucial. Furthermore, the optimized gear ratios and adaptive shift methods work in tandem to enhance gas financial system, a crucial issue for heavy-duty truck homeowners.
The 68RFE’s six-speed automated configuration, coupled with its superior digital controls and options like Tow/Haul mode, straight displays Stellantis’s give attention to offering a balanced and succesful powertrain resolution for demanding purposes. This understanding is essential for appreciating the engineering behind the transmission and its function in enabling the efficiency and performance of professional quality autos. The interaction between the variety of gears, digital controls, and specialised options showcases Stellantis’s dedication to innovation and assembly the particular wants of its heavy-duty automobile clients.
4. Longitudinal engine software
The 68RFE transmission’s design for longitudinal engine purposes is intrinsically linked to its producer, Stellantis, and the particular automobile platforms for which it’s meant. Longitudinal mounting, the place the engine’s crankshaft is oriented parallel to the automobile’s size, is typical in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles and bigger vehiclesthe core marketplace for Stellantis’s Ram vehicles and heavy-duty automobile lineup. This configuration necessitates a transmission designed to accommodate the inline energy circulate from the engine to the driveshaft, a key issue influencing the 68RFE’s structure. Stellantis engineered the 68RFE particularly to fulfill these necessities, contributing to the environment friendly switch of energy and torque in heavy-duty purposes. This focused design selection displays a strategic alignment between the transmission’s capabilities and the meant automobile platforms inside the Stellantis portfolio.
The Ram 2500 and 3500, quintessential examples of autos using the 68RFE, display the sensible significance of this longitudinal engine software. These vehicles, recognized for his or her towing and hauling capacities, profit from the 68RFE’s potential to handle excessive torque hundreds generated by their longitudinally mounted engines. The alignment of engine and transmission orientation ensures optimum energy supply to the rear or all 4 wheels, crucial for dealing with heavy hundreds and navigating difficult terrains. This synergy between engine placement and transmission design underscores Stellantis’s engineering experience in optimizing efficiency inside particular automobile architectures.
Understanding the connection between the 68RFE’s longitudinal software and Stellantis’s automobile technique gives priceless context for deciphering the transmission’s strengths. This design attribute straight influences the transmission’s suitability for heavy-duty use, its integration inside particular automobile platforms, and the general efficiency dynamics of these autos. Recognizing this connection reinforces the significance of contemplating automobile structure when evaluating transmission selections and emphasizes Stellantis’s focused strategy to powertrain improvement.
5. Ram Vans
Ram vehicles, a distinguished model inside the Stellantis portfolio, are intrinsically linked to the 68RFE transmission. This connection stems from the transmission’s particular design and meant software inside heavy-duty Ram truck fashions. Exploring the connection between Ram vehicles and the 68RFE gives priceless insights into the transmission’s real-world software and its impression on automobile efficiency.
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Heavy-Obligation Functions
The 68RFE is predominantly present in Ram’s heavy-duty truck fashions, such because the 2500 and 3500. These vehicles are designed for demanding duties like towing heavy trailers and hauling substantial payloads, requiring a sturdy transmission able to dealing with elevated torque and stress. The 68RFE’s presence in these fashions signifies its function in enabling the core performance of those heavy-duty workhorses.
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Energy and Torque Administration
Ram vehicles typically make the most of highly effective diesel and gasoline engines producing substantial torque. The 68RFE performs a vital function in managing and effectively transferring this energy to the wheels. The transmission’s sturdy inside parts and superior digital controls are particularly designed to resist the stresses related to excessive torque output, making certain dependable efficiency and longevity in demanding purposes.
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Towing and Hauling Capabilities
A key promoting level of Ram heavy-duty vehicles is their spectacular towing and hauling capability. The 68RFE straight contributes to this functionality by offering the mandatory gear ratios and torque converter traits to deal with heavy hundreds. Options just like the Tow/Haul mode, particularly designed for towing purposes, additional improve the truck’s efficiency when pulling trailers or carrying heavy payloads.
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Actual-World Efficiency and Consumer Expertise
The combination of the 68RFE in Ram vehicles straight influences the real-world driving expertise, notably for these using the vehicles for towing or hauling. The transmission’s clean shifting, responsive efficiency beneath load, and skill to deal with excessive torque output contribute to a assured and managed driving expertise, even when coping with difficult circumstances.
The shut relationship between Ram vehicles and the 68RFE transmission highlights the strategic alignment between automobile design and powertrain engineering inside the Stellantis ecosystem. The 68RFE’s presence in Ram heavy-duty vehicles underscores its significance in delivering the efficiency, functionality, and consumer expertise anticipated from these autos. This connection additional emphasizes the significance of understanding the 68RFE’s traits when contemplating the general capabilities of Ram heavy-duty vehicles.
6. Industrial Autos
The inclusion of business autos inside the scope of the 68RFE transmission’s software broadens the understanding of its producer, Stellantis (previously FCA US LLC), and their strategic market positioning. Whereas prominently featured in Ram heavy-duty vehicles, the 68RFE’s presence in sure business purposes demonstrates Stellantis’s intention to leverage this sturdy transmission throughout a wider vary of demanding use circumstances. This growth past the patron truck market signifies the 68RFE’s versatility and its suitability for autos requiring dependable high-torque energy supply.
A number of components contribute to the 68RFE’s suitability for business purposes. Its sturdy building, designed to resist the stresses of heavy towing and hauling, interprets properly to the demanding necessities of business use. The transmission’s potential to deal with excessive torque output from highly effective diesel engines is an important asset in business settings the place payload capability and environment friendly energy supply are paramount. Examples embrace sure medium-duty vehicles, supply autos, and different specialised business platforms requiring sturdy and reliable powertrains. Furthermore, the supply of specialised tuning and management choices for the 68RFE permits for personalisation tailor-made to particular business wants, optimizing efficiency and effectivity inside numerous operational environments. This adaptability enhances the transmission’s attraction inside the business sector.
The 68RFE’s presence within the business automobile market underscores Stellantis’s dedication to offering complete powertrain options throughout a various vary of purposes. Understanding this broader context expands the appreciation for the 68RFE’s capabilities past the patron truck market and divulges its strategic significance inside Stellantis’s total product portfolio. Recognizing this connection gives a extra full perspective on the 68RFE’s design, meant use, and its contribution to the business automobile panorama.
7. Kokomo, Indiana Plant
The Kokomo, Indiana transmission plant performs a pivotal function within the manufacturing of the 68RFE transmission. This facility, operated by Stellantis, serves because the unique manufacturing web site for this heavy-duty automated transmission. The plant’s devoted give attention to transmission manufacturing, coupled with its specialised workforce and superior gear, ensures constant high quality management and environment friendly manufacturing of the 68RFE. This direct hyperlink between the Kokomo plant and the 68RFE reinforces the transmission’s standing as a key part inside the Stellantis manufacturing ecosystem. Finding the only real manufacturing web site for this important part in Kokomo centralizes experience and streamlines the availability chain for Stellantis.
The Kokomo plant’s significance extends past merely assembling the 68RFE. Its location inside the US contributes to home job creation and helps the native financial system. Moreover, the plant’s give attention to superior manufacturing methods and high quality management processes ensures that the 68RFE meets stringent efficiency and sturdiness requirements. This dedication to high quality straight influences the reliability and longevity of the transmission in demanding heavy-duty purposes. The Kokomo plant’s contributions lengthen to analysis and improvement efforts associated to transmission expertise, additional solidifying its function as a middle of excellence inside Stellantis’s manufacturing community. This dedication to innovation ensures that the 68RFE stays a aggressive and technologically superior transmission inside the automotive business.
Understanding the Kokomo plant’s integral function within the manufacturing of the 68RFE gives priceless context for appreciating the transmission’s high quality, reliability, and total significance. The plant’s devoted give attention to transmission manufacturing, mixed with its location inside the US and its dedication to superior manufacturing processes, underscores the strategic significance of the 68RFE inside the Stellantis portfolio. Recognizing this connection strengthens the understanding of the transmission’s improvement, manufacturing, and its final contribution to the efficiency and functionality of the autos by which it’s put in.
8. Licensed manufacturing (none)
The absence of licensed manufacturing for the 68RFE transmission underscores the unique manufacturing relationship between Stellantis (previously FCA US LLC) and this particular powertrain part. This signifies that no different automotive producers are approved to supply or assemble the 68RFE, solidifying Stellantis’s full management over its design, manufacturing, and distribution. This exclusivity has a number of implications, influencing components corresponding to high quality management, components availability, and the general market dynamics surrounding the 68RFE. By sustaining sole manufacturing rights, Stellantis retains tight management over the transmission’s high quality and ensures consistency throughout all models produced. This additionally permits for direct administration of the availability chain, influencing components availability and pricing.
The sensible significance of this unique manufacturing association is obvious in a number of areas. For automobile homeowners, it implies that real 68RFE parts are completely obtainable by way of Stellantis-authorized channels. This streamlines components sourcing but in addition reinforces the significance of counting on approved service facilities for repairs and upkeep to make sure correct experience and real components. For the automotive market, the shortage of licensed manufacturing creates a novel state of affairs the place the 68RFE is inextricably linked to Stellantis autos. This reinforces the model id of Ram vehicles and different autos geared up with the 68RFE, as they provide a powertrain part not discovered elsewhere. This exclusivity can affect buying selections for customers in search of particular capabilities related to the 68RFE.
In abstract, the absence of licensed manufacturing for the 68RFE solidifies Stellantis’s full management over this key powertrain part. This exclusivity impacts numerous elements of the transmission’s lifecycle, from manufacturing and high quality management to components availability and market dynamics. Understanding this connection gives priceless context for automobile homeowners, service professionals, and anybody in search of a complete understanding of the 68RFE’s place inside the automotive business. It emphasizes the strategic significance of this transmission inside the Stellantis portfolio and its distinctive standing as an completely manufactured part.
9. In-house manufacturing
In-house manufacturing of the 68RFE transmission by Stellantis (previously FCA US LLC) varieties a cornerstone of its id and market positioning. This strategic determination straight influences a number of key elements of the transmission, together with high quality management, integration with different automobile parts, and total model id. By retaining full management over the manufacturing course of, Stellantis can guarantee adherence to stringent high quality requirements and keep an in depth connection between the transmission’s design and its implementation inside their autos. This vertical integration permits for optimized compatibility between the 68RFE and different powertrain parts, contributing to enhanced efficiency and reliability. Examples of this integration are evident within the coordinated improvement of the 68RFE with particular Ram truck engines and drivetrain methods, leading to a cohesive and environment friendly powertrain package deal.
The sensible significance of in-house manufacturing extends past technical concerns. It permits Stellantis to straight handle the availability chain for the 68RFE, influencing components corresponding to manufacturing quantity, components availability, and value management. This direct oversight contributes to higher responsiveness to market calls for and permits for changes to manufacturing schedules as wanted. Moreover, in-house manufacturing reinforces the connection between the 68RFE and the Stellantis model, contributing to a definite product id and doubtlessly influencing shopper perceptions of high quality and efficiency. This affiliation generally is a differentiating think about a aggressive market, strengthening model loyalty and doubtlessly commanding a value premium. The dedication to in-house manufacturing additionally permits Stellantis to put money into specialised experience and gear at their Kokomo, Indiana facility, additional enhancing their manufacturing capabilities and contributing to the long-term viability of the 68RFE.
In abstract, in-house manufacturing of the 68RFE transmission represents a strategic determination by Stellantis with important implications for high quality management, integration, model id, and market positioning. This strategy permits for tight management over your complete manufacturing course of, from design and engineering to meeting and distribution. The direct advantages embrace enhanced high quality, optimized integration with different automobile parts, and a stronger connection between the transmission and the Stellantis model. These components collectively contribute to the 68RFE’s repute as a sturdy and succesful heavy-duty transmission, taking part in a key function within the success of Stellantis autos in demanding purposes.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the 68RFE transmission, offering concise and informative responses to make clear potential misconceptions and improve understanding.
Query 1: Who manufactures the 68RFE transmission?
The 68RFE transmission is completely manufactured by Stellantis (previously FCA US LLC) at their Kokomo, Indiana plant.
Query 2: By which autos is the 68RFE transmission usually discovered?
The 68RFE is primarily present in Ram heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., 2500, 3500) and choose business autos requiring sturdy powertrains.
Query 3: Is the 68RFE transmission obtainable for buy individually?
Whereas obtainable as a alternative half, the 68RFE isn’t usually bought as a standalone unit for customized automobile tasks as a consequence of its built-in design inside Stellantis autos.
Query 4: What are the important thing traits of the 68RFE transmission?
The 68RFE is a six-speed automated transmission designed for longitudinal engine purposes, particularly engineered for heavy-duty use and excessive torque capability.
Query 5: The place can one get hold of real 68RFE components and repair?
Real 68RFE components and specialised service can be found completely by way of Stellantis-authorized dealerships and repair facilities.
Query 6: Are there any widespread points related to the 68RFE transmission?
Whereas usually sturdy, potential points can come up with any advanced mechanical system. Consulting official Stellantis assets or approved service facilities is beneficial for correct diagnostics and repairs.
Understanding these key elements of the 68RFE transmission ensures correct upkeep, knowledgeable restore selections, and a clearer understanding of its function inside the automotive panorama.
Additional sections will delve into extra particular technical particulars, upkeep suggestions, and potential troubleshooting steering associated to the 68RFE transmission.
Upkeep and Longevity Suggestions for the 68RFE Transmission
Sustaining the 68RFE transmission proactively contributes considerably to its operational lifespan and efficiency. These tips supply sensible recommendation for making certain optimum perform and longevity.
Tip 1: Common Fluid and Filter Adjustments
Adhering to the producer’s beneficial fluid and filter change intervals is essential. Extreme-duty utilization typically necessitates extra frequent modifications. Seek the advice of official documentation for particular intervals primarily based on driving circumstances.
Tip 2: Acceptable Fluid Choice
Utilizing the proper transmission fluid, as specified by Stellantis, is important for optimum efficiency and stopping harm. Substitutions might compromise the transmission’s intricate parts and void warranties.
Tip 3: Temperature Monitoring
Extreme warmth can drastically scale back transmission lifespan. Monitoring transmission temperature, particularly throughout heavy towing or hauling, helps establish potential points early. Think about auxiliary transmission coolers for demanding purposes.
Tip 4: Skilled Servicing
Entrusting upkeep and repairs to certified technicians with experience within the 68RFE transmission is paramount. Specialised instruments and information are important for correct diagnostics and efficient repairs.
Tip 5: Load Administration
Respecting the automobile’s towing and payload limits prevents undue stress on the transmission. Overloading can result in untimely put on and potential harm to inside parts.
Tip 6: Tow/Haul Mode Utilization
Using the Tow/Haul mode when towing or hauling heavy hundreds optimizes shift patterns and reduces pressure on the transmission. This function is particularly designed for these demanding purposes.
Tip 7: Immediate Consideration to Warning Indicators
Addressing uncommon noises, shifting difficulties, or efficiency points promptly can stop minor issues from escalating into main repairs. Early analysis typically reduces restore prices and minimizes downtime.
Constant adherence to those upkeep practices considerably contributes to the long-term well being and efficiency of the 68RFE transmission, making certain dependable operation and maximizing its service life.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways concerning the 68RFE transmission and its significance inside the automotive panorama.
Conclusion
Exploration of the 68RFE transmission reveals its unique manufacture by Stellantis at their Kokomo, Indiana facility. This heavy-duty, six-speed automated transmission, designed for longitudinal engine purposes, finds main software in Ram heavy-duty vehicles and choose business autos. Stellantis’s in-house manufacturing ensures tight high quality management and integration inside their automobile platforms. The absence of licensed manufacturing reinforces this exclusivity. The 68RFE’s design options, together with its six gear ratios, digital controls, and Tow/Haul mode, contribute to its functionality and efficiency in demanding purposes. Understanding the transmission’s meant use, upkeep necessities, and the unique relationship with Stellantis gives a complete perspective on its significance inside the automotive panorama.
The 68RFE transmission represents a major achievement in heavy-duty powertrain engineering. Its continued evolution and integration inside future automobile platforms will possible form the panorama of professional quality automobile expertise. Correct understanding of this transmission’s capabilities and upkeep necessities is essential for maximizing its efficiency and operational lifespan, making certain its continued contribution to the automotive business.
