On your error, could just be low oil or loose filter. Make sure you are choking the level properly.
I’ll definitely agree the 68rfe is a poor design. They are very fail prone, and have weaknesses. When the transmission was designed, it was built to handle a set max HP. At the time, it was higher than needed. But as the power wars increased, it was quickly under.
RAM even admits the 68rfe is not as good. They out sourced a better transmission for 1ton n up high output. Ford and GM only offer one automatic. The ONLY reason RAM has 2 power levels IS because of the 68RFE.
The 68rfe is an in house designed and built transmission, it costs them ~$400 or so per unit. Compared to the stronger outsourced transmission that costs RAM more per unit. Thus affecting how much RAM Makes per truck. So RAM de rates 3/4 tons and offers a stronger transmission on many 1ton n up trucks.
Buy a FORD diesel and get same power rating across the board.
Buy a GM diesel and get the same power rating across the board.
Buy a RAM diesel and you have different power ratings.. why? Is it to offer the consumer more options? Humm, no. It’s cause the 68rfe reached its design max years ago.
If the 68rfe could be built to handle 450HP, RAM would have done it already. They would save millions a year by only using an in house transmission.
Look, in a completely stock application, when used under rated value ( towing), the 68rfe can last as long as the Cummins. But, add a cold air intake or ~5 more HP, and the usable life will decrease. Our larger tires, and usable life will decrease. ( install lower gears will help). Tow 8 more oz over rated numbers and the usable life will be shorter.
It’s the same for built transmissions. Absolutely no 68rfe built at any price with impossible metal will only handle ~380HP. You can buy a $36,000 transmission rated to hold 500hp, and only feed it 400hp and it’ll fail. It’s a design flaw and limit, nothing you can do or build will make a 68rfe last long with more than 400hp... you’ll see those that will disagree, and say they have a built transmission and 400hp ands fine. But they probably drive less than 80,000 yr or never tow.
Anyway, I have a real good hate for the RFE line of transmissions. The 545 and 68 are just poor and limited designs.
Obviously, all the major tucks have their own unique issues. Ford and GM trucks have their own common flaws too. Switching will just change what the common fail point is.