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 vans and a few industrial automobiles. It’s identified for its sturdy development and skill to deal with vital 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 growth represents a big development in heavy-duty transmission know-how, contributing to the efficiency and sturdiness anticipated by house owners of those automobiles. The historical past of this transmission is intently tied to the evolution of industrial quality pickup vans and their growing energy and towing capacities.
Additional exploration of matters equivalent to particular purposes, technical specs, widespread upkeep necessities, and potential troubleshooting points will present a complete understanding of this transmission’s capabilities and significance throughout the automotive trade.
1. FCA US LLC (Stellantis)
FCA US LLC, now working below the Stellantis umbrella, holds unique duty for the 68RFE transmission’s manufacture. This integral connection stems from the transmission’s preliminary growth inside Chrysler Group LLC (a predecessor to FCA US LLC) particularly for its heavy-duty truck lineup. This in-house growth and subsequent manufacturing technique guarantee tight management over high quality, design, and integration with different powertrain elements. The Kokomo, Indiana transmission plant serves as the only 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 throughout the Stellantis community.
Examples of automobiles outfitted with the 68RFE, such because the Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickup vans, clearly reveal this connection. These vans, core merchandise throughout the Stellantis portfolio, depend on the 68RFE for dealing with the substantial torque generated by their diesel and gasoline engines. Moreover, the applying of the 68RFE in sure industrial automobiles underscores its function as a sturdy and reliable powertrain part very important to Stellantis’s industrial automobile choices.
Understanding the unique manufacturing relationship between Stellantis and the 68RFE transmission gives priceless context for upkeep, repairs, and elements sourcing. It emphasizes the significance of counting on Stellantis-authorized service facilities or elements distributors for real elements and specialised experience. This connection additionally highlights Stellantiss dedication to heavy-duty powertrain know-how 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 deal with equipping heavy-duty automobiles with sturdy powertrain elements. This designation signifies the transmission’s supposed use in demanding purposes requiring greater torque capability and sturdiness, equivalent to towing heavy hundreds and working below 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 vans and sure industrial automobiles. The design and development of the 68RFE replicate this heavy-duty focus, incorporating options like strengthened inner elements and superior management methods to handle elevated energy and torque output from bigger diesel and gasoline engines.
The sensible implications of this connection are vital. Autos outfitted with the 68RFE, equivalent to Ram 2500 and 3500 vans, 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 companies provided by means of Stellantis-authorized service facilities, making certain correct look after these sturdy transmissions.
In abstract, the 68RFE’s heavy-duty classification straight displays its supposed use and the producer’s strategic deal with offering sturdy and succesful powertrain options. This understanding is essential for automobile house owners and repair professionals alike, informing acceptable 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 general functionality of those automobiles.
3. Six-speed automated
The 68RFE’s classification as a six-speed automated transmission is a vital side of its identification and performance, straight linked to its producer, Stellantis. This design selection displays a stability between efficiency, gas effectivity, and towing functionality, key issues for the heavy-duty automobiles by which it’s generally discovered.
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Gear Ratios and Torque Capability
The six ahead gear ratios throughout the 68RFE are strategically chosen to offer optimum energy supply and gas financial system throughout a spread of working circumstances. The transmission’s capability 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 sometimes present in heavy-duty Ram vans. This cautious calibration of substances ratios contributes to the transmission’s capability to stability efficiency and effectivity.
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Digital Management and Shift Methods
The 68RFE incorporates refined digital controls governing shift patterns and general transmission conduct. This permits 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 capability to seamlessly handle energy supply in varied eventualities, from towing heavy trailers to navigating metropolis site visitors.
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Tow/Haul Mode and its Implications
The Tow/Haul mode, a function throughout the 68RFE’s digital management system, additional emphasizes its connection to Stellantis’s deal with heavy-duty purposes. This mode adjusts shift patterns and torque converter lockup methods for optimum towing efficiency, lowering pressure on the transmission and enhancing gas financial system whereas hauling heavy hundreds. This function underscores Stellantis’s recognition of the 68RFE’s major function in enabling the towing capabilities of Ram vans and different heavy-duty automobiles.
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Affect on Driving Expertise and Gasoline Financial system
The six-speed automated design contributes considerably to the general driving expertise in automobiles outfitted with the 68RFE. The graceful, 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 needed. Furthermore, the optimized gear ratios and adaptive shift methods work in tandem to enhance gas financial system, a important issue for heavy-duty truck house owners.
The 68RFE’s six-speed automated configuration, coupled with its superior digital controls and options like Tow/Haul mode, straight displays Stellantis’s deal with 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 industrial quality automobiles. 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 utility
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 supposed. 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 vans and bigger vehiclesthe core marketplace for Stellantis’s Ram vans and heavy-duty automobile lineup. This configuration necessitates a transmission designed to accommodate the inline energy movement from the engine to the driveshaft, a key issue influencing the 68RFE’s structure. Stellantis engineered the 68RFE particularly to satisfy 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 supposed automobile platforms throughout the Stellantis portfolio.
The Ram 2500 and 3500, quintessential examples of automobiles using the 68RFE, reveal the sensible significance of this longitudinal engine utility. These vans, identified for his or her towing and hauling capacities, profit from the 68RFE’s capability 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, important 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 utility 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 automobiles. Recognizing this connection reinforces the significance of contemplating automobile structure when evaluating transmission selections and emphasizes Stellantis’s focused method to powertrain growth.
5. Ram Vans
Ram vans, a distinguished model throughout the Stellantis portfolio, are intrinsically linked to the 68RFE transmission. This connection stems from the transmission’s particular design and supposed utility inside heavy-duty Ram truck fashions. Exploring the connection between Ram vans and the 68RFE gives priceless insights into the transmission’s real-world utility and its affect on automobile efficiency.
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Heavy-Obligation Purposes
The 68RFE is predominantly present in Ram’s heavy-duty truck fashions, such because the 2500 and 3500. These vans 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 vans 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 inner elements and superior digital controls are particularly designed to face up to 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 vans 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 Person Expertise
The combination of the 68RFE in Ram vans straight influences the real-world driving expertise, notably for these using the vans for towing or hauling. The transmission’s easy shifting, responsive efficiency below 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 vans and the 68RFE transmission highlights the strategic alignment between automobile design and powertrain engineering throughout the Stellantis ecosystem. The 68RFE’s presence in Ram heavy-duty vans underscores its significance in delivering the efficiency, functionality, and person expertise anticipated from these automobiles. This connection additional emphasizes the significance of understanding the 68RFE’s traits when contemplating the general capabilities of Ram heavy-duty vans.
6. Business Autos
The inclusion of business automobiles throughout the scope of the 68RFE transmission’s utility broadens the understanding of its producer, Stellantis (previously FCA US LLC), and their strategic market positioning. Whereas prominently featured in Ram heavy-duty vans, the 68RFE’s presence in sure industrial purposes demonstrates Stellantis’s intention to leverage this sturdy transmission throughout a wider vary of demanding use instances. This growth past the patron truck market signifies the 68RFE’s versatility and its suitability for automobiles requiring dependable high-torque energy supply.
A number of elements contribute to the 68RFE’s suitability for industrial purposes. Its sturdy development, designed to face up to the stresses of heavy towing and hauling, interprets effectively to the demanding necessities of business use. The transmission’s capability to deal with excessive torque output from highly effective diesel engines is a vital asset in industrial settings the place payload capability and environment friendly energy supply are paramount. Examples embody sure medium-duty vans, supply automobiles, and different specialised industrial platforms requiring sturdy and reliable powertrains. Furthermore, the provision of specialised tuning and management choices for the 68RFE permits for personalisation tailor-made to particular industrial wants, optimizing efficiency and effectivity inside various operational environments. This adaptability enhances the transmission’s attraction throughout the industrial sector.
The 68RFE’s presence within the industrial 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 general product portfolio. Recognizing this connection gives a extra full perspective on the 68RFE’s design, supposed use, and its contribution to the industrial 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 deal with transmission manufacturing, coupled with its specialised workforce and superior tools, 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 throughout the Stellantis manufacturing ecosystem. Finding the only manufacturing web site for this important part in Kokomo centralizes experience and streamlines the provision chain for Stellantis.
The Kokomo plant’s significance extends past merely assembling the 68RFE. Its location inside the USA contributes to home job creation and helps the native financial system. Moreover, the plant’s deal with 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 prolong to analysis and growth efforts associated to transmission know-how, 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 throughout the automotive trade.
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 general significance. The plant’s devoted deal with transmission manufacturing, mixed with its location inside the USA and its dedication to superior manufacturing processes, underscores the strategic significance of the 68RFE throughout the Stellantis portfolio. Recognizing this connection strengthens the understanding of the transmission’s growth, manufacturing, and its final contribution to the efficiency and functionality of the automobiles 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 elements equivalent to high quality management, elements 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 provision chain, influencing elements availability and pricing.
The sensible significance of this unique manufacturing association is clear in a number of areas. For automobile house owners, it signifies that real 68RFE elements are solely accessible by means of Stellantis-authorized channels. This streamlines elements sourcing but additionally reinforces the significance of counting on approved service facilities for repairs and upkeep to make sure correct experience and real elements. For the automotive market, the dearth of licensed manufacturing creates a singular scenario the place the 68RFE is inextricably linked to Stellantis automobiles. This reinforces the model identification of Ram vans and different automobiles outfitted with the 68RFE, as they provide a powertrain part not discovered elsewhere. This exclusivity can affect buying selections for shoppers 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 varied features of the transmission’s lifecycle, from manufacturing and high quality management to elements availability and market dynamics. Understanding this connection gives priceless context for automobile house owners, service professionals, and anybody in search of a complete understanding of the 68RFE’s place throughout the automotive trade. It emphasizes the strategic significance of this transmission throughout the Stellantis portfolio and its distinctive standing as an solely manufactured part.
9. In-house manufacturing
In-house manufacturing of the 68RFE transmission by Stellantis (previously FCA US LLC) varieties a cornerstone of its identification and market positioning. This strategic determination straight influences a number of key features of the transmission, together with high quality management, integration with different automobile elements, and general model identification. By retaining full management over the manufacturing course of, Stellantis can guarantee adherence to stringent high quality requirements and preserve an in depth connection between the transmission’s design and its implementation inside their automobiles. This vertical integration permits for optimized compatibility between the 68RFE and different powertrain elements, contributing to enhanced efficiency and reliability. Examples of this integration are evident within the coordinated growth 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 issues. It permits Stellantis to straight handle the provision chain for the 68RFE, influencing elements equivalent to manufacturing quantity, elements availability, and value management. This direct oversight contributes to better 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 identification and probably influencing client perceptions of high quality and efficiency. This affiliation could be a differentiating think about a aggressive market, strengthening model loyalty and probably commanding a worth premium. The dedication to in-house manufacturing additionally permits Stellantis to spend money on specialised experience and tools 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 vital implications for high quality management, integration, model identification, and market positioning. This method permits for tight management over your entire manufacturing course of, from design and engineering to meeting and distribution. The direct advantages embody enhanced high quality, optimized integration with different automobile elements, and a stronger connection between the transmission and the Stellantis model. These elements 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 automobiles in demanding purposes.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to 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 solely manufactured by Stellantis (previously FCA US LLC) at their Kokomo, Indiana plant.
Query 2: Through which automobiles is the 68RFE transmission sometimes discovered?
The 68RFE is primarily present in Ram heavy-duty vans (e.g., 2500, 3500) and choose industrial automobiles requiring sturdy powertrains.
Query 3: Is the 68RFE transmission accessible for buy individually?
Whereas accessible as a substitute half, the 68RFE just isn’t sometimes offered as a standalone unit for customized automobile tasks resulting from its built-in design inside Stellantis automobiles.
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 acquire real 68RFE elements and repair?
Real 68RFE elements and specialised service can be found solely by means 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 complicated mechanical system. Consulting official Stellantis sources or approved service facilities is really helpful for correct diagnostics and repairs.
Understanding these key features of the 68RFE transmission ensures correct upkeep, knowledgeable restore selections, and a clearer understanding of its function throughout 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 Ideas for the 68RFE Transmission
Sustaining the 68RFE transmission proactively contributes considerably to its operational lifespan and efficiency. These pointers provide sensible recommendation for making certain optimum operate and longevity.
Tip 1: Common Fluid and Filter Adjustments
Adhering to the producer’s really helpful 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 right transmission fluid, as specified by Stellantis, is crucial for optimum efficiency and stopping injury. Substitutions could compromise the transmission’s intricate elements 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 determine potential points early. Take into account 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 data 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 injury to inner elements.
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 relating to the 68RFE transmission and its significance throughout 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 major utility in Ram heavy-duty vans and choose industrial automobiles. 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 supposed use, upkeep necessities, and the unique relationship with Stellantis gives a complete perspective on its significance throughout the automotive panorama.
The 68RFE transmission represents a big achievement in heavy-duty powertrain engineering. Its continued evolution and integration inside future automobile platforms will possible form the panorama of industrial quality automobile know-how. 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 trade.
