I would think Ford could make a transmission as smooth as the last transmission it replaced. C6 was awesome in reliability and smoothness. My brand new AOD in the Lincoln shifts smooth as silk. My 4R100 in my 01 has been reliable and very smooth and shifts effortlessly. 5R110W seems like a confused transmission not knowing what to do, when to do it or how hard to do it in tow/haul mode. Probably something wrong with it.

 

None of the transmissions you listed are built to handle the torque of the 6.0L diesel. The Torqshift was built specifically for this, harder shifts = less slippage. I had a C6 in my '79 behind a 400m. Yes it shifted smoothly, but I also had to rebuild that tranny.

 

I only claim them other trannys were often reliable and shifted smoothly. I realize the 6.0 needs a brute behind it, but it's shift qualities suck in comparison to them previous trannys. It is one thing being firm and it is quite another being harsh and chaotic like when the tow/haul mode is on. With 4.88's the tow/haul mode is useless unless your using it to stop coming down an off ramp or something. That is an awesome quality I like, but all it does engaged driving is wastes fuel and shifts for crap. I suppose with a lighter duty pick-up with normal gears it is just the thing. I'm sorry, but you'd be annoyed with it not wanting to shift up pulling some stupid rpm's when it is unnessasary and when it finally shifts it hits hard, but if you relax your foot and drop back 1mph it will put you in the windshield when it down shifts. That is just driving threw town. Just driving/towing with tow/haul off the trans is firm, but it shifts like an automatic would in most anything. In tow/haul mode it losses all senses and becomes like a like a teenager trying to shift a manual tranny up and down without the clutch. Maybe that would be ok if I had the pedal to the floor like I was racing a quart mile track, but just rolling into town it seems excessive. I'm not a diesel groupie and have no use for one in my personal truck. I wounder just how a newer 10v feels with one? I'd hope it isn't so rough. I really enjoy seamless shifting and quiet operation I have now.

 

Hard shifts on a automatic transmission extend longevity, a fast hard shift produces less heat , I wish my 04 gasser had the new tranny. I am interested in finding out how to make my tranny shift harder. I was wondering if this can be done via the computer or if I need a shift kit?

 

Computer works fine for increasing firmness a bit -

 

From what you describe, it sounds like you may need to go through the Torqshift relearning process. Its in the 6.0L tech folder I think. It resets your computer and lets the transmission relearn its shift points. Yours may be acting goofy.

 

So how is the 6.4 with the manual? Does it have much lag? I drove an 04 6.0L with a 6spd and I hated it. There was no power at all until after 2000rpm. I know the 7.3 has lots of low end grunt, but it seemed the 6.0L didn't...so I was afraid the 6.4 wouldn't either.

 

I agree whole heartedly with this. FTE is a huge Ford Forum, yet you rarely read of problems with the Torkshift. I'm not sure where the OP read all the probs on the '04+ trans, but go spend a little time on a popular GM forum (try The Diesel Place or DP), and you'll see TONs of Limp Mode or slipping Allisons. My '05 Dmax/Ally acted like two different programmers worlds apart worked on the brains that worked the trans/engine. It was like they rarely got along, and it was not just me but complaints lasted into at least the '06s when I stopped playing on the GM side, and got back to a serious truck, and back to Fords...

 

I Also Prefer The Manual 6-speed For Overall Strength And Reliability. It's Also Unbeaten In The Snow And Better On The Brakes.

 

Put the TorqShift in tow/haul mode and it will downshift just like a manual.

 

You can also manually shift between 1-2-3 (it stays in the gear selected). You just can't do the same for 4th and 5th gears. I use this method for tight twisty roads when towing...

 

Why not an Edge Tuner? I've had one on my 2004 6.0 Powerstroke for 93,000 miles so far. No problems yet (knock on wood!)..

 

Best thing to do with a 4R100 is to keep it cool (either replace the stock cooler with a bigger one or add a TruCool inline), and put some kind of kit or VB in it to keep the shifts nice & short & crisp (but not BANGS!). Then add a good tuner behind it with programming for the new tranny shift programming. I just put my TransGo in and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. I'll know more when I get my tuner back, but in with stock programming, it shifts friggin' awesome!! Can't wait to get the DP back to really see what it's capable of!!

But there is a fine line between shlushy shifts, banging hard shifts and nice, firm, crisp ones. The trick is find the middle ground. You can order a VB from a variety of places that will set them up how you want. I drilled my TransGo plate right between the extremes and I like it. If you really want to help it out, get a 6.0L TC, too. Do all that and your 4R100 will last a nice long time.

 

I think the major problem of transmission problems is that everybody with a diesel just has to put a tuner in it. This increases the HP by quite a bit and places increased strain on the transmission. This strain is turned into heat and it has nowhere to go. I know of a few buys around here that have had tranny problems with their 99-02 Ford diesels. These guys all had programmers for extra power and no extra cooling.
My theory is simply keep the tranny cooler and it will last longer.

As far as the torqueshift, I have one in my v10 and its just awsome. My first automatic in many years and I love it. This is the best trans yet. Smooth shifts up and down, unless you hammer on it, then after the tires get traction, nice firm shifts. In tow/haul, it downshifts just like you would in a manual.

 

Had my 2004 Superduty F-250 CrewCab FX4 6.0 w/ Torqshift in for full service/fluid change (front/rear diff.,tranny, trnasfer case, radiator, oil, you name it). Noticed a slip in the tranny just recently so I checked the tranny fluid (3000 miles since change/flush). First thing I saw was Mercon SP only. So I checked it and it was low 1 quart plus. Went to get some and no one carried it!!!?! Went to Ford garage and got some. Next step since the Service station shorted me tranny fluid...I checked my invoice as to what they put in it....Penzoil Multi ATF! I had it reflushed and back flushed and Mercon SP put in it with new fiters (3000 miles after initial change). What are everybody's thoughts on this?....Grounds for new tranny? Thanks, any input would be appreciated.