The team at RevMax knows a thing or two about heavy-duty transmissions. If you use your late-model Ram HD—especially a 2500 or 3500—for serious towing, you already know how critical it is to keep that 68RFE transmission running strong. When the pressure’s on (literally), a stock valve body can leave you wanting more.
That’s where Ray from DOUBLE R DIESEL comes in. He recently tackled a RevMax heavy-duty billet valve body install on a 2020 Ram 2500, and the results speak for themselves.
Why Upgrade the Valve Body?
The factory 68RFE setup just isn’t built to handle the demands many diesel owners put on it. Weak line pressure, sluggish shifts, and early wear on clutches can all lead to expensive headaches. Ray’s install shows how swapping in a RevMax billet valve body can dramatically boost transmission durability, shift quality, and overall drivability under load.
What the Install Involves
Ray broke down the entire process step by step, starting with transferring the electronics from the OEM valve body to the RevMax unit. He noted that 2019 and newer Rams include an additional auxiliary valve body—a change from earlier models that adds a few extra steps to the job.
One key warning: Ray pointed to a tiny check ball during disassembly and stressed, “Don’t lose it.” (Veteran wrench-turners know how those little parts tend to disappear…)
He also shared a crucial tip: on newer trucks, you must scan the QR code on the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid during the install. Skip this, and you’ll be stuck scratching your head when the transmission doesn’t function correctly post-swap.
Tackling Cooling Issues with a RevMax Thermostatic Bypass
Alongside the valve body upgrade, the team added a RevMax thermostatic bypass. The factory thermostat is known to fail by sticking closed, which can easily cause the trans to overheat.
The bypass solves that by ensuring transmission fluid continuously flows through the cooler—no waiting on the thermostat to open. It’s a simple fix that removes a major failure point.
The Results: More Pressure, Better Shifts
Once everything was buttoned up with fresh ATF+4 fluid and a new custom tune, the difference was clear on the monitor.
Stock line pressure? Typically around 160–165 PSI under load.
RevMax billet valve body? Pushing 225 PSI effortlessly.
Ray called it a “huge” upgrade, especially in terms of protecting the overdrive clutches—a known weak spot on the 68RFE.
On the road, the test drive proved just as impressive. Ray described the shift feel as, “Quicker and a little bit snappier, but not harsh.” Exactly what you want for a tow rig that sees real work.
Final Thoughts
This install is proof that a well-designed billet valve body upgrade can breathe new life into a 68RFE and give your Ram the durability and shift performance it should’ve had from the factory. Between improved pressure, cooler operation, and smoother gear changes, the RevMax setup is a game-changer for diesel owners who tow heavy and drive hard.