Complete removal, disassembly, inspection, rebuild, and reinstallation of the 68RFE automatic transmission in a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• 68RFE transmission master rebuild kit × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent kit with all clutches, steels, gaskets, and seals
• Torque converter (inspect and replace if damaged) × 1 — OEM specification for 6.7L Cummins
• Transmission filter kit × 1 — 68RFE filter and gasket
• Front pump bushing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Output shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Input shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Speed sensor O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Solenoid pack (inspect and replace if necessary) × 1 — 68RFE solenoid assembly
• Valve body gasket set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crush washer for drain plug × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transfer case gasket/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 12 qt

Preparation

1. Disconnect both battery cables, negative first, and secure away from terminals
2. Raise vehicle on a professional lift to working height with adequate clearance for transmission removal
3. Remove skid plates and any underbody protection panels
4. Place drain pan under transmission and drain fluid via drain plug
5. Mark driveshafts for proper reinstallation alignment using paint or scribe marks
6. Support engine using overhead support bar or separate jack with block of wood on oil pan
7. Prepare clean workspace for transmission disassembly with dedicated clean parts trays

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove transfer case and disconnect drivelines
   Disconnect front and rear driveshafts at differential flanges, marking orientation. Support transfer case with transmission jack. Remove transfer case mounting bolts and slide transfer case rearward off transmission output shaft. Set aside on workbench. Remove transmission crossmember mounting bolts and lower crossmember.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical and fluid connections
   Disconnect transmission wiring harness connector at transmission case. Remove input and output speed sensor connectors. Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission using line wrench, immediately plugging or capping lines to prevent contamination. Remove shift cable from transmission lever and bracket.
   ⚠Keep all cooler line fittings clean. Any debris entering cooler system will recirculate through rebuilt transmission.
3. 3

   Remove transmission-to-engine mounting bolts
   Position transmission jack securely under transmission pan with safety chains. Remove starter motor for access to lower bell housing bolts. Remove all transmission-to-engine mounting bolts, noting different lengths and locations for reassembly. There are typically 6-8 bolts of varying lengths around bell housing perimeter.
   ⚠️Ensure transmission jack is properly positioned and rated for weight before removing final mounting bolts.
4. 4

   Separate transmission from engine
   Carefully slide transmission rearward approximately 2 inches to disengage input shaft from torque converter. Verify torque converter stays with transmission and does not remain on flexplate. Lower transmission on jack while guiding away from engine bay. Once clear, move to clean workbench and secure in transmission holding fixture.
   ⚠Keep torque converter pushed fully into transmission bell housing during removal to prevent dropping.
5. 5

   Remove external components and valve body
   With transmission secured in fixture, remove transmission pan bolts in criss-cross pattern and remove pan. Remove transmission filter. Disconnect all valve body wiring connectors. Remove valve body mounting bolts in sequence from outside to center, carefully lowering valve body and separating from case. Note position of all check balls and springs. Remove solenoid pack from valve body for inspection.
   ⚠Do not allow valve body to hang by wiring harness. Support weight during removal.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disassemble front pump and clutch assemblies
   Remove front pump bolts and extract pump assembly using slide hammer or pump puller tool. Remove input shaft and forward clutch assembly as a unit. Remove snap rings securing clutch packs and carefully disassemble each clutch pack, keeping components organized by position. Measure and record all clutch pack clearances using feeler gauges. Remove intermediate shaft and planetary gear assemblies, noting orientation.
   ℹ️Take detailed photos during disassembly. Clutch pack order and orientation is critical for proper function.
7. 7

   Remove rear components and output shaft
   Remove output shaft housing bolts and extract output shaft assembly. Remove overdrive and reverse clutch packs using same careful documentation as forward clutches. Measure and record all end play and clearances. Remove parking pawl assembly and governor pressure components. Extract all remaining snap rings, thrust washers, and bearings, organizing by location.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect all components
   Thoroughly clean all hard parts in solvent or parts washer. Dry completely with compressed air, ensuring all oil passages are clear. Inspect all gear teeth for wear, pitting, or damage. Check all bearing surfaces for scoring. Inspect clutch drums for cracks or wear. Measure all bushings for wear using inside micrometer. Inspect valve body for wear, scoring, or debris damage. Check all springs for proper tension and length. Replace any questionable components.
   ⚠Even minor scoring in valve body bores can cause pressure loss and shift problems. Replace valve body if any damage is found.
9. 9

   Install new bushings and seals in case
   Drive out old bushings using appropriate sized driver. Install new bushings from rebuild kit using bushing driver set, ensuring proper depth and alignment. Install new case seals and O-rings using seal drivers. Install new output shaft seal. Verify all seals are seated properly and not damaged during installation.
10. 10

    Rebuild clutch packs with new components
    Install new clutch friction plates and steel plates per rebuild kit specifications. Soak friction plates in ATF+4 for minimum 30 minutes before assembly. Assemble each clutch pack in correct order: steel plate, friction plate, alternating to spec. Install wave springs and snap rings. Measure clutch pack clearance with feeler gauge and compare to specifications (typically 0.037-0.057 inches depending on pack). Adjust with selective snap rings if needed.
    ⚠Clutch pack clearance is critical. Too tight causes binding and heat, too loose causes slipping and burning.
11. 11

    Reassemble transmission internal components
    Install rear planetary and clutch assemblies with new thrust washers, coating all parts with ATF+4 during assembly. Install output shaft assembly with new seals. Install intermediate shaft and forward planetary assemblies. Install forward clutch pack and input shaft assembly, verifying smooth rotation. Install all snap rings and verify proper seating. Measure input shaft end play using dial indicator (typically 0.020-0.050 inches).
12. 12

    Install front pump with new seals
    Install new pump seal and O-rings on front pump. Install new front pump bushing if worn. Coat pump gears with ATF+4. Carefully align pump with case and tap into position using plastic mallet and pump installer tool. Install pump bolts and torque evenly in crisscross pattern. Verify input shaft rotates freely and has proper end play.
13. 13

    Install valve body and solenoid pack
    Inspect solenoid pack resistance values with multimeter and replace if out of specification. Install all check balls and springs in case per factory diagram. Install new valve body gaskets. Carefully position valve body onto case, guiding manual valve into position. Install valve body bolts finger tight, then torque in sequence from center outward. Connect all electrical connectors. Install new transmission filter with new seal.
    ⚠One misplaced check ball will cause catastrophic shift problems. Verify all ball locations against service manual diagram.
14. 14

    Install transmission pan and prepare for installation
    Install new transmission pan gasket. Position pan and install bolts finger tight. Torque pan bolts in criss-cross pattern to specification. Install drain plug with new crush washer and torque to spec. Inspect torque converter for cracks, wear on hub, and proper needle bearing condition. Replace if any defects found. Measure torque converter depth to verify proper seating when installed.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install transmission into vehicle
    Ensure torque converter is fully seated in pump (typically three distinct clicks as it engages). Measure converter depth to verify. Apply thin coat of high-temp grease to torque converter hub. Position transmission on jack and raise into position. Align transmission with engine, carefully guiding input shaft into torque converter. Install all bell housing bolts and torque to specification in star pattern. Install starter motor.
    ⚠️If torque converter is not fully seated, transmission-to-engine bolts will pull transmission forward and crack pump. Verify proper converter depth before installing bolts.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect all external components
    Install transmission crossmember and torque mounting bolts to specification. Connect transmission cooler lines and torque fittings properly. Connect all electrical connectors ensuring positive clicks. Install shift cable and adjust per factory procedure. Install speed sensors with new O-rings and torque sensor bolts to specification. Install transfer case with new gasket and torque mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Install driveshafts and fill transmission
    Install front and rear driveshafts aligned to original marks. Torque all u-joint and CV flange bolts to specification. Fill transmission with 10 quarts of Mopar ATF+4 through dipstick tube. Install skid plates and underbody panels. Reconnect battery cables, positive first.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using proper sequence and patterns
2. Use only Mopar ATF+4 fluid - other fluids will cause immediate damage to 68RFE solenoid pack
3. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with positive engagement
4. Replace all crush washers, gaskets, and seals during reassembly

Verification

• Start engine and verify no fluid leaks from pan, cooler lines, or seals
• With engine at idle and parking brake applied, shift through all gear ranges and verify smooth engagement
• Check transmission fluid level with engine running at operating temperature in Park position - add fluid as needed to reach proper level
• Perform test drive through all gears verifying smooth shifts with no slipping, flaring, or harsh engagement
• Re-check fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Scan for transmission diagnostic trouble codes using factory scan tool - address any codes found
• Monitor transmission temperature during test drive - should remain below 200°F during normal operation
• Verify shift points match factory specifications at various throttle positions
• Check for leaks again after test drive with vehicle on lift

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