Transmissions to avoid?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Transmissions to avoid?
I've had several '70's and '80's pick ups and Broncos over the past 20 years with 4speeds and C6s that were rock solid. I am now thinking of buying an early '90's through '96 F250 4x4 xcab.
My question is this: I recall conversations a little while ago of an overdrive tranny made between 87-96 that most here thought was pretty weak. This truck will be used for plowing, will occasionally tow a 24' boat, and will see a good deal of highway use.
Was the C6 made thru '96?
Is there a tranny I should avoid?
Thanks,
John
My question is this: I recall conversations a little while ago of an overdrive tranny made between 87-96 that most here thought was pretty weak. This truck will be used for plowing, will occasionally tow a 24' boat, and will see a good deal of highway use.
Was the C6 made thru '96?
Is there a tranny I should avoid?
Thanks,
John
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 3
From: Cloud USA
Late 80's early 90's E4OD I would avoid unless rebuilt, The C6 was available thru atleast 94 in Econoline vans and 2wd F250's with the 300 or 351w. All in all I like my ZF 5speed in my 93 f250. Rock Solid!
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
I bought a '96 F250 4x4 5.8 with a 3 sp. C6 in it this spring. I was led to belive that this tranny was available in only some of the trucks with a gvwr of 8600 or higher. I looked up my numbers, and this is the stock tranny. It is an ex oilfield truck and it may have been a special order, but they do exist. I've owned 2 other fords previous with the A4OD and didn't have the best of luck, but then it could be driving? I have never heard anything negative about the C6 and highly recomending the search for this. best of luck.
Temporarily Deactivated
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,859
Likes: 2
I was told by a transmission rebuilder that the early E4OD issues have mostly been resolved. Not all of them were bad, if you got a good one and kept the fluid clean fluid it is probably still good today. The bad ones broke a long time ago. No transmission is reliable without clean fluid.
I don't think I would use an A4OD for towing and plowing but I have never owned one.
C6 is rock solid but you have no overdrive. 4.10 gear would be great for what you want but C6, 4.10 and interstate travel would not be a good match.
F250 or 350 with a 460 or diesel with 4.10 limited slip and overdrive is what you probably want. I don't recommend a truck like that for daily transportation if you drive many miles, the fuel costs will eat your lunch.
I don't think I would use an A4OD for towing and plowing but I have never owned one.
C6 is rock solid but you have no overdrive. 4.10 gear would be great for what you want but C6, 4.10 and interstate travel would not be a good match.
F250 or 350 with a 460 or diesel with 4.10 limited slip and overdrive is what you probably want. I don't recommend a truck like that for daily transportation if you drive many miles, the fuel costs will eat your lunch.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: pennsylvania
DITTO, ZFs are TOUGH. Autos to avoid are any type of AOD, except the 4R70W.
as you know the c-6's are pretty stout as well.
as you know the c-6's are pretty stout as well.
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
I have an 89 F150 with a 351 and the C6. Bullitproof trans. They are pretty rare in 1/2 tons. I think many that have them were special ordered. Only downside is no O/D which hurts mileage.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 620
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, ON
What manual tranny's are found in later year (96-97) F-250's??
I'm looking (probably will never find a good one in my area though) F-250 4x4 HD Reg Cab 7.3L TD, unsure about what to look for in a tough tranny.
I'm looking (probably will never find a good one in my area though) F-250 4x4 HD Reg Cab 7.3L TD, unsure about what to look for in a tough tranny.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 0
From: Brandon Mb
I have never came across a 91 and newer with the AOD. Older than that still did, but don't know about the 4x4's. If you want an automatic, definitely get the E4OD. They are a good tranny if maintained (I'm hard on mine but take care of it, and no problems yet). Ford stuck them behind the 7.3, so they must have some strengh. I've pulled some decent loads and it did it without hesitation. And if it does fly apart, once they are rebuilt, their indestructible. A C6 wouldn't be good for pulling yet still have some driveability. But I still suggest a standard would be a better bet. So it depends on what you want really.