Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 332
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Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
Is anyone unhappy with thier automatic transmission?
I have a 2002 F250 SD CC 5.4 Auto, and I think I wish I had the manual. This is my first auto trans pickup, after having many ford pickups with manuals. I bought the auto thinking that the wife would be using it sometimes getting the kids around and such.
Is it just me, or does this trans shift kinda sloppy? especially now that I live in a hilly area, I wish i had that 6-speed.
All I ever tow/haul is dirt bikes or atv's, so power is not an issue.
I bought the truck off the lot to take advantage of 0% financing, so I searched many lots, and I remember that manual trannsmissions were pretty damn rare. So I guess that means people like them.
Is anyone else unhappy, or am I just an old geezer that just can't learn new tricks (I even refuse to buy an atv with an automatic trans)?
Jim
PS Is this the same auto trans that a F-150 with a 5.4 uses?
I have a 2002 F250 SD CC 5.4 Auto, and I think I wish I had the manual. This is my first auto trans pickup, after having many ford pickups with manuals. I bought the auto thinking that the wife would be using it sometimes getting the kids around and such.
Is it just me, or does this trans shift kinda sloppy? especially now that I live in a hilly area, I wish i had that 6-speed.
All I ever tow/haul is dirt bikes or atv's, so power is not an issue.
I bought the truck off the lot to take advantage of 0% financing, so I searched many lots, and I remember that manual trannsmissions were pretty damn rare. So I guess that means people like them.
Is anyone else unhappy, or am I just an old geezer that just can't learn new tricks (I even refuse to buy an atv with an automatic trans)?
Jim
PS Is this the same auto trans that a F-150 with a 5.4 uses?
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
Luckily, if you don't like the shifting characteristics, there are many companies ready to take your money to "tune" it to your tastes.
I wish my Excursion coulda been available with a hand-shaker...
I think the reason you don't see many is that 1. Dealer's make a bit more off an auto & 2. The majority prefer autos. 3. Dealer's only stock what sells the most (in most cases...)
I wish my Excursion coulda been available with a hand-shaker...
I think the reason you don't see many is that 1. Dealer's make a bit more off an auto & 2. The majority prefer autos. 3. Dealer's only stock what sells the most (in most cases...)
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 343
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From: Jackson, MS
Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Mar-02 AT 07:17 PM (EST)]well, considering I'm gonna spend $1200 this week on a new LuK solid-mass flywheel and clutch for my ZF 5spd, I'm kinda wishing I had the auto myself!! Aw heck, everything's gonna break eventually, i guess!!
As Monsta said, if you don't like how your auto shifts, there are tons of options out there to change your shift points and characteristics. In these days of computer controlled EVERYTHING, you can pretty much set your tranny up the way you like it. I have absolutely NO DOUBT that Ken here at FTE can hook you up with exceptional products! That's because Ken can ALWAYS hook you up! He's da man!!! Bottom line is, if you're not happy, don't settle! You can change it!
rotorhead
As Monsta said, if you don't like how your auto shifts, there are tons of options out there to change your shift points and characteristics. In these days of computer controlled EVERYTHING, you can pretty much set your tranny up the way you like it. I have absolutely NO DOUBT that Ken here at FTE can hook you up with exceptional products! That's because Ken can ALWAYS hook you up! He's da man!!! Bottom line is, if you're not happy, don't settle! You can change it!
rotorhead
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Mar-02 AT 09:23 PM (EST)]Ditto On That! "Redranger"
'
')
'')
Rich
Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville:
'
')'
')Rich
Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville:
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,742
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From: OK
Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
Nah, I like the auto. Just keep the fluid & filter clean and it'll do great. I've had my fill of clutch & pressure plate replacements. 
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
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From: USA
Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Mar-02 AT 11:22 PM (EST)]'
')
'')Well I guess we know who can't drive real trucks!
'
')
Rich, that was not nice you should be '
')
'
')
Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville
')'
')Well I guess we know who can't drive real trucks!'
')Rich, that was not nice you should be '
')'
')Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,957
Likes: 50
From: Mesa
Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
With a brand new truck I would be leary about doing anything physical to the tranny. It will void the warranty if Ford finds the mods. With that being said, you could add Tricumulator springs or a Sonnax valve or both. There are shifts kits available too. Banks makes an eletronic Trans-Comand that changes the shifting and is easilly removed if need be. The chips also have shifting changes.
Some early models of the F150/5.4L came with the E4OD(now called the 4R100) I think around 98 or 99, Ford switched to the 4R70 in all the F150's except the Lightning, which uses the 4R100. The Superdutys use the 4R100.
Some early models of the F150/5.4L came with the E4OD(now called the 4R100) I think around 98 or 99, Ford switched to the 4R70 in all the F150's except the Lightning, which uses the 4R100. The Superdutys use the 4R100.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 231
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Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
Jim59
Im with you! I HATE the auto tranny in this thing (2001 F250SD 5.4 Auto), it is without a doubt the most sloppy trans on the face of the earth. Darn thing is constantly shifting, its UP, its DOWN, it back UP again, uhh...wait a minute, nope it went back down...sometimes it will hang for a second or two in between gears! My 13 speed roadranger manual trans needs less shifting in my big truck! I bought my truck off the lot, so i didnt have much say, but if i was specin, it would be MANUAL! In fact, im now looking into exactly whats involved in swapping out the auto for the manual, i should be able to auction off the auto at Ebay...I dunno.
Im with you! I HATE the auto tranny in this thing (2001 F250SD 5.4 Auto), it is without a doubt the most sloppy trans on the face of the earth. Darn thing is constantly shifting, its UP, its DOWN, it back UP again, uhh...wait a minute, nope it went back down...sometimes it will hang for a second or two in between gears! My 13 speed roadranger manual trans needs less shifting in my big truck! I bought my truck off the lot, so i didnt have much say, but if i was specin, it would be MANUAL! In fact, im now looking into exactly whats involved in swapping out the auto for the manual, i should be able to auction off the auto at Ebay...I dunno.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 755
Likes: 1
From: Campbell, California
Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
Just an observation. You guys that dislike your automatic transmissions have one, will two things in common. You both got your trucks off the lot and with the V-8. The V-8 is underpowered in the Super Duty, which means your transmission is going to have to work harder to make up for the lack of horse power and torque verse say the V-10 or diesel.
dan@prxy.org
dan@prxy.org
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2001
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Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
hitecdan
I understand your point, but i respectfuly disagree, in my case anyway. My truck is mainly used as a daily driver and I run empty 98% of the time. I can not beleive that the 5.4, under these circumstances, is underpowered especially when you consider the 4:10 rears. Yes, it would be underpowered if I were to pull or haul heavy loads...no doubt. But as I use it, I dont think 260 HP (hooked to 4:10s) is underpowered by any means for the empty weight of the 250. Just my opinion, but i think the problem is the auto trans just STINKS, simple as that. The computer has many places in this world, but i sure wish it would get out of my trans as I think that is the root cause of the sloppiness.
I want a manual...WAAAAAAAA
I understand your point, but i respectfuly disagree, in my case anyway. My truck is mainly used as a daily driver and I run empty 98% of the time. I can not beleive that the 5.4, under these circumstances, is underpowered especially when you consider the 4:10 rears. Yes, it would be underpowered if I were to pull or haul heavy loads...no doubt. But as I use it, I dont think 260 HP (hooked to 4:10s) is underpowered by any means for the empty weight of the 250. Just my opinion, but i think the problem is the auto trans just STINKS, simple as that. The computer has many places in this world, but i sure wish it would get out of my trans as I think that is the root cause of the sloppiness.
I want a manual...WAAAAAAAA
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 343
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From: Jackson, MS
Sorry Ya Got an Auto?
>Rotorhead,
>$1200 For a LUK??????? Is that with labor? If it is ok, but
>if not, they are giving it to you
>
>Les
Les,
Yeah, that's labor too and it's just an estimate on my part. The parts I'm getting from dial-a-clutch.com. $550 plus shipping. I'm just guessing at the installation. Unfortunately, I don't have the knowledge or equipment to do the install myself. And I live in an area where qualified transmission places are hard to find. Any hints???
Casey
(rotorhead)
>$1200 For a LUK??????? Is that with labor? If it is ok, but
>if not, they are giving it to you
>
>Les
Les,
Yeah, that's labor too and it's just an estimate on my part. The parts I'm getting from dial-a-clutch.com. $550 plus shipping. I'm just guessing at the installation. Unfortunately, I don't have the knowledge or equipment to do the install myself. And I live in an area where qualified transmission places are hard to find. Any hints???
Casey
(rotorhead)