Hey Ford Friends! My rig has a 6r140 with a lazy 3 to 4 shift that I have been trying to resolve and would like to hear your thoughts.

The rig is a 2017 F350 Platinum with a deleted 6.7L with 117K. My usage of the truck is a occasional driver and 3-4 times a year towing a 28' travel trailer. I bought it two years ago with 112k on the clock.

Several months ago I noticed a 3 to 4 shift problem where it was lazy, soft, and shaky. After talking to some shops and friends with similar rigs, I decided to go with a upgraded replacement valve body and deep pan. Everyone suggested my problem is a known issue and a new VB is the fix.

I ordered the new VB and pan, completed the install, reprogrammed the TCM with the new VB code, deleted the learned shift points from memory, and took it for a drive to learn the shift points as per all of the instructions.

Now with 100 miles on the rig, the 3 to 4 shift, though improved, is still lazy. When driving and in 3rd, it feels like (based on seat of the pants and watching RPM) the truck shifts out of third then back into third as there is no RPM drop, while this is happening, the dash indicator shows that it is in 4th. Then up to 5 seconds later, I feel the truck shift into 4th.

All other shifts are great.

Also, when I dropped the pan, there was no carnage. Fluid was a bit darker and certainly not fresh.

When I called the place where I ordered the VB and pan, explaining my issue, the response I received was that I need a transmission rebuild.

I called a local shop who says they do not rebuild but only replace. Estimate was $13,700.00.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

Shop around more. From what I can see a remanufactured 6r140 can be found in the $5000 range. $13k seems way out of line to me.

i suspect that your transmission has internal problems that will require a complete tear down to fix. I’m not a transmission expert, but the 3-4 shift on the 6r140 has a lot going on to make it happen. You are essentially applying two clutches at the same time. If the timing isn’t right it will flare like you are describing.

a problem with the 5th gear clutch could explain what you are describing. 5+6=4 in this case. If the 5th gear clutch doesn’t come on at the same time as the 6th gear, then it will slip into 6th until the 5th gear clutch grabs to make 4th.

try forcing a 6-4 downshift. What happens? That would be the same shift but essentially backwards.

 

3-4 shift applies the E clutch. Known issues are the friction being worn in that clutch pack, and it is not uncommon for that drum to crack where the input shaft is welded to the drum. In many cases the weld will break completely resulting in no movement. I am not saying what is wrong with yours, just mentioning some things.

 

I do not know what a fair price for this rebuild, but usually the cheapest places are not where I shop. It's worth finding a good shop because when you have problems, they will be around. Online shops is not where I would be shopping around.

 

That’s fair, but I’m not paying a local shop 3-4x what the part is worth no matter how good the service is.

 

Let us know that when the transmission has left you on the side of the road and you need to start over again. Especially with a trailer [been there/done that. Two tow trucks is expensive].

High [or low] price does not dictate the quality of the repair, but it certainly does a pretty good job of predicting the future. If you find a reputable shop, I would do as they recommend. I would get a loan if needed.

 

at $13,000 you can do the job twice and still have money to pay for a tow truck.

i looked around and the most expensive 6r140 I could find was $8,000. This was a track oriented piece rated to 700+hp. The more stock oriented one was $4,300. $13,000 for this repair is just way out of line.

I’m just saying to shop around and make an informed decision.

edit: I found one rated to 800hp for $9,500. So I guess what I’m saying is that if you are paying $13k you had better be getting one rated to 700-800 hp with a warranty.

 

I found a local trans shop that several family members and acquaintances speak highly of. Good reviews too. I took the truck in for a diag / test drive and was told that it needs a rebuild. Removal, rebuild, and reinstall they estimate at about 7k. 2 year warranty.

I have a tentative appointment to drop it with with on April 28th.

 

Half price with a 2 year warranty… glad you shopped around some. 13k is just nutso IMO.

 

Just got a diag for my 2017 F250 6R140. Slight shutter/rattle b/w 30-4-mph and no codes. Shop said torque converter and likely needs a new trans or a rebuild. They sell Jasper transmissions and out the door price with 3yr nationwide warranty is $6800. Still a bit on the high side IMO. Going to check a local shop they referred me to for replacing the TC. Online research shows if caught before any major issues that should be enough. Fluid and temps are fine so we'll see soon.

Good luck with yours! The 6R140's seem to have a solid reputation and we might have gotten the best out of ours ~130-140k.

 

Figured I'd post one option that a friend shared with me.

https://spprecision.com/products/6r1...sion-sale.html

 

Dropped the truck off at the trans shop this past monday for a rebuild. They said I should have it back in a few weeks tops.

 

So........where is your go fund me page?

Good for you that you found a transmission shop that is local. I always believe you should try and spend the money close to home. It keeps the community going. Sometimes you can't, but it should be your step.

 

Found a shop locally as well and going by Friday. Praying that the checkup and fluid support only a torque converter replacement. Everything I've ready states if you can catch it early enough a rebuild might be avoidable.

Phone quote: $2400 TC only and $4200-$4500 full rebuild/replacement.

 

Go Fund Me, that's a great idea. Man this bill is going to hurt but it will be nice to have it repaired.