Six Speed Transmission
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 320
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From: South Jersey
Not to get to off topic here, but I know the 6 speed will get better gas mpg's, and the vehicle will be faster, but how will it handle towing a heavy load let's say above 5000lbs compared to the 4 speed thats out now. Not comparing the same but how would the current F150 stack up in towing againest a new exped. Just curious.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 351
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From: buckley WA
As usual ford will be the last player to market with a 6 sp. in a half ton truck, for 07 they have the weakest drivetrain in a truck!!!!!!!!!!!
______
what ever dude... go buy a chevy and leave in peace. your whinning is getting pretty old. If gm "pushes" ford with there new models, it is not because they are better. It is because of advertising and price cutting. AND fleet sales. Lowest bidder wins.. even at a profit loss for gm. (they have done this for years) All to get the numbers. That is the only reason they sell as many as they do. The 5.4 is still the tow king in half ton trucks. If you want fast, you should have bought a mustang GT. As it is you have a truck. I am also convinced, dispite what gas you SAY you use, that you use the cheap off brands. I really don't think your "carbon" problem is anything more than poor gas. There aren't that many people that have the problems your having. Out of 900,000 trucks sold a year by ford, the problem would show itself a LOT more than a few complaints on the internet.
______
what ever dude... go buy a chevy and leave in peace. your whinning is getting pretty old. If gm "pushes" ford with there new models, it is not because they are better. It is because of advertising and price cutting. AND fleet sales. Lowest bidder wins.. even at a profit loss for gm. (they have done this for years) All to get the numbers. That is the only reason they sell as many as they do. The 5.4 is still the tow king in half ton trucks. If you want fast, you should have bought a mustang GT. As it is you have a truck. I am also convinced, dispite what gas you SAY you use, that you use the cheap off brands. I really don't think your "carbon" problem is anything more than poor gas. There aren't that many people that have the problems your having. Out of 900,000 trucks sold a year by ford, the problem would show itself a LOT more than a few complaints on the internet.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 351
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From: buckley WA
I have an idea that the 6 speed when availible in the F-150 will not have a tow rating that is as high as the 4 speed. I do believe that is why the 6 speed isn't availible now. ford will be making a BIG mistake if it takes the route of the other wannabe's and make a car out of there truck.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
Well they offer a 6-speed manual in the Super Duties.... so why not a six-speed in the half tons (even if it is an auto). Efficiency is efficiency... no matter how you cut it. I am glad to see that Ford is adding more gears. If truckers can have 18 or more gears, why cant a regular truck have 6? I am not sure how this new tranny would effect the two rating. Why would it negatively impact the rating? If anything, it is allowing your rig to effectively manage its power to move a load EASIER with the extra gears.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 611
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Chris1450
As usual ford will be the last player to market with a 6 sp. in a half ton truck, for 07 they have the weakest drivetrain in a truck!!!!!!!!!!!
______
what ever dude... go buy a chevy and leave in peace. your whinning is getting pretty old. If gm "pushes" ford with there new models, it is not because they are better. It is because of advertising and price cutting. AND fleet sales. Lowest bidder wins.. even at a profit loss for gm. (they have done this for years) All to get the numbers. That is the only reason they sell as many as they do. The 5.4 is still the tow king in half ton trucks. If you want fast, you should have bought a mustang GT. As it is you have a truck. I am also convinced, dispite what gas you SAY you use, that you use the cheap off brands. I really don't think your "carbon" problem is anything more than poor gas. There aren't that many people that have the problems your having. Out of 900,000 trucks sold a year by ford, the problem would show itself a LOT more than a few complaints on the internet.
______
what ever dude... go buy a chevy and leave in peace. your whinning is getting pretty old. If gm "pushes" ford with there new models, it is not because they are better. It is because of advertising and price cutting. AND fleet sales. Lowest bidder wins.. even at a profit loss for gm. (they have done this for years) All to get the numbers. That is the only reason they sell as many as they do. The 5.4 is still the tow king in half ton trucks. If you want fast, you should have bought a mustang GT. As it is you have a truck. I am also convinced, dispite what gas you SAY you use, that you use the cheap off brands. I really don't think your "carbon" problem is anything more than poor gas. There aren't that many people that have the problems your having. Out of 900,000 trucks sold a year by ford, the problem would show itself a LOT more than a few complaints on the internet.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: buckley WA
There are plenty of people using crap gas. That would explain the problems now wouldn't it? All these people? This is the internet where problems gather. This is no way an indication of most people. I am sorry you have such a low opinion of your truck. Maybe your being hyper critical? maybe you have a problem or two and now are gun shy? I don't know your story, but yours isn't the norm. A 6 speed won't have a higher torque rating. Your fitting more parts in the same size package. That will take away some durability. I am about sure that is why it isn't in the F-150 now. Ford will take a big hit if they put in that tranny and it doesn't have the same tow rating. The talk of fuel milage in a truck is pretty crazy. power and milage don't go hand in hand to well. Tow or milage??? hmmm... I have a truck... i will pick tow. BTW... I don't think I am doing to bad at 16 mpg mixed and 18.7 mpg on the hiway. Pretty good for a near 6000 lb truck. cheby can't do that according to mag reviews. Even with there cylinder deactivation.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 2
From: In my House
(2 cents added here) I would think the 6speed Auto, will build up more heat, so the tow rating will be lower. The clutch packs will be close together in that transmission case don't forget. Example, look at how bullet-proof the C-6 was, and it was a 3 speed.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 611
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Well using your logic how is the new tundra getting 381 HP and 400 ft lbs of torque through their 6 spd tranny with a tow rating of I beleive around 10,500 lbs???? I am also getting about the same mileage you are I am a bit down now around 15 but think we are on winter gas because I have lost a little??
A mostly quiet Supporter
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Lansing, IA
I rather doubt that you will lose any towing capacity by gaining more gears. And I don't think that we have to worry about a 6spd transmission being weaker than the current 4spd. IMO, having 6 speeds instead of 4 will improve performance & towing b/c you have more gear ratios closer together, putting power to the ground more efficiently, therefore boosting towing capacity if nothing else.
Too bad that they couldn't just use the Torque Shift Automatic transmission (5spd) from the Super duties. It's a tough Transmission and I'm sure that they can add another gear to it without too much trouble. I would love to have the tow/haul option in my F-150 instead of OD on/off. Oh well, one can dream......
In short, I think that when ford introduces a 6 speed auto in F-150's, it will be up to the task off out pulling the rest in its class.
T. J.
Too bad that they couldn't just use the Torque Shift Automatic transmission (5spd) from the Super duties. It's a tough Transmission and I'm sure that they can add another gear to it without too much trouble. I would love to have the tow/haul option in my F-150 instead of OD on/off. Oh well, one can dream......
In short, I think that when ford introduces a 6 speed auto in F-150's, it will be up to the task off out pulling the rest in its class.
T. J.
Last edited by the_webers_inc; Jan 11, 2007 at 10:10 PM. Reason: grammar
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
I have to agree with 04FX4Lineman on this. the 6 gears will allow for deaper gearing of the "drive" gears and help manage engine power more effectively in the low rpms.
the tow rating should be the same, or go up a little. I also wouldn't be surprised if the rear gears get facelifted to a higher ratio (3.33 and 3.55) instead of what is offered right now (3.55 and 3.73). that 6th gear will be one heck of an overdrive.
as for transmission heat, if it really is an issue, they'll probly throw an external cooler in as standard equipment.
you can get power and mpg. my buddy gets 20+ mpg (city) with 495hp and 515 torque. with a six speed. I wouldn't expect this of a 6000lb truck, but it probably wouldn't be unreasonable to see 16-18 mpg (city) with an auto 6 speed
the tow rating should be the same, or go up a little. I also wouldn't be surprised if the rear gears get facelifted to a higher ratio (3.33 and 3.55) instead of what is offered right now (3.55 and 3.73). that 6th gear will be one heck of an overdrive.
as for transmission heat, if it really is an issue, they'll probly throw an external cooler in as standard equipment.
you can get power and mpg. my buddy gets 20+ mpg (city) with 495hp and 515 torque. with a six speed. I wouldn't expect this of a 6000lb truck, but it probably wouldn't be unreasonable to see 16-18 mpg (city) with an auto 6 speed
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,264
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From: North Carolina
Originally Posted by tylus
I have to agree with 04FX4Lineman on this. the 6 gears will allow for deaper gearing of the "drive" gears and help manage engine power more effectively in the low rpms.
the tow rating should be the same, or go up a little. I also wouldn't be surprised if the rear gears get facelifted to a higher ratio (3.33 and 3.55) instead of what is offered right now (3.55 and 3.73). that 6th gear will be one heck of an overdrive.
as for transmission heat, if it really is an issue, they'll probly throw an external cooler in as standard equipment.
you can get power and mpg. my buddy gets 20+ mpg (city) with 495hp and 515 torque. with a six speed. I wouldn't expect this of a 6000lb truck, but it probably wouldn't be unreasonable to see 16-18 mpg (city) with an auto 6 speed
the tow rating should be the same, or go up a little. I also wouldn't be surprised if the rear gears get facelifted to a higher ratio (3.33 and 3.55) instead of what is offered right now (3.55 and 3.73). that 6th gear will be one heck of an overdrive.
as for transmission heat, if it really is an issue, they'll probly throw an external cooler in as standard equipment.
you can get power and mpg. my buddy gets 20+ mpg (city) with 495hp and 515 torque. with a six speed. I wouldn't expect this of a 6000lb truck, but it probably wouldn't be unreasonable to see 16-18 mpg (city) with an auto 6 speed
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 2
From: In my House
Bryan, put me in line for that v-6 diesel with 4.10LS, that would be great. I would think they would have to change over to the 10.25" sterling rear diff, as with the 9.75" rear doesn't have any geraing available over 4.10" I believe. Who knows, maybe a 6speed will work great. I can't see tow ratings going much higher than they are already. I would't want to put 10k behind my F150 
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 201
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From: Boise, ID
Originally Posted by the4by4freek
Ok.... A bit confused here! Why on gods green earth would you say that they will change the gearing to 3.33 and 3.55 only? Do you have any idea on how a transmission works? Or for that matter a differential? They could put 4:10 gearing in with a 6 speed trans and have a very capable tow vehicle. You would still have your low end power for towing and you would still have a great cruising RPM for fuel economy! Lock out OD or, if they do one better and offer a tow/ haul package and there wouldn't be a 1/2 ton on the market that could touch it! Slam in the new V6 Diesel that is in the works and the 6 speed and 4:10's and you would have one hell of a truck! It would pull a house, have decent fuel economy and still have the best styling on the road!
You are logically assuming the 6 speed will be single or possible 2 OD transmission. If for some reason they decide to build the 6-speed with a 6th being 1:1, the axle gears could even go into 3.00:1 and give towing and economy gains. As long as we get better pulling/acceleration and better economy it is all good.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,264
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From: North Carolina
Originally Posted by 96f150
Bryan, put me in line for that v-6 diesel with 4.10LS, that would be great. I would think they would have to change over to the 10.25" sterling rear diff, as with the 9.75" rear doesn't have any geraing available over 4.10" I believe. Who knows, maybe a 6speed will work great. I can't see tow ratings going much higher than they are already. I would't want to put 10k behind my F150