If you own a Cummins-powered Dodge Ram, you have one of these three transmissions. Here's the complete comparison and what each means for ownership.
Shop the parts for this fix
Doing the whole job? 47RE Master Rebuild Kit - Frictions & Steels, Gaskets & Seals, Filter, Shift Kit, Servo, Solenoids, Bushings (7-Piece) — $346.99 $364.99 (save 5% vs buying separately)
Or grab the individual parts:
Quick timeline
47RE (1994-2002)
- 5.9L Cummins behind it
- ~430 ft-lb stock capacity
- Older design
48RE (2003-2007)
- 5.9L Cummins (HO version)
- ~570 ft-lb stock capacity
- Strengthened 47RE
68RFE (2007.5-2018+)
- 6.7L Cummins
- ~610 ft-lb stock, well past that with HD parts
- New design entirely
Key differences
Strength progression
Each generation got stronger to handle increasing Cummins torque output.
Common failures by generation:
- 47RE: Direct clutch, intermediate band, PR valve
- 48RE: Direct clutch (still), OD clutch, PR valve
- 68RFE: Direct clutch (theme), TCC apply piston, billet input mandatory tuned
Year identification:
- 1994-2002 Cummins: 47RE
- 2003-2007 Cummins: 48RE
- 2007.5+ Cummins: 68RFE
What this means for ownership
47RE owner:
- Older but well-known
- Cheap to rebuild
- HD parts widely available
- Read our 47RE/48RE transmission guide
48RE owner:
- Best of the older generation
- Strong stock platform
- HD upgrades plentiful
- Same guide as 47RE applies
68RFE owner:
- Modern design
- Most expensive to rebuild
- Critical to address tuning concerns
- Read our best 68RFE rebuild kit guide
Tuned applications
If you're running tuned Cummins (regardless of generation):
- HD direct clutch mandatory
- Billet input shaft mandatory
- HD torque converter mandatory
- Performance valve body recommended
Read our Cummins diesel transmission upgrades guide for details.
Should I swap to a newer trans?
47RE to 48RE swap:
- Common upgrade if 47RE is failing
- More HD capacity
- Most parts interchange
- Cost: $3,000-6,500 typically
48RE to 68RFE swap:
- Different generation (5.9L vs 6.7L typically)
- Requires engine + trans match
- Major swap, not commonly done
Skip swap if:
- Your trans is healthy
- You don't need more capacity
- Tuning is mild
Rebuild cost summary
47RE rebuild:
- DIY: $700-1,400
- Shop: $2,500-4,000
48RE rebuild:
- DIY: $800-1,500
- Shop: $2,800-4,500
68RFE rebuild:
- DIY: $1,200-2,500
- Shop: $4,000-6,500
- Tuned application: $6,000-12,000
Need Cummins transmission parts? Shop our 47RE catalog, 48RE catalog, or 68RFE catalog. Master kits, billet input shafts, performance valve bodies. Free shipping over $70.
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