Transmission options
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Transmission options
OK, flame away, but about a years ago I bought a new Chevy 2500HD. I went with Chevy because it was cheaper than the Ford. Anyway, a year later and multiple warrenty visits later, I am working through the GM buyback process. It is in the shop for the tranny for the third time right now. As might be expected, I am really leary of transmissions right now. I am thinking I want to go with Ford this time and hopefully correct my earlier transgression. My questions is which Ford transmission is better, the manual or the auto? I am looking for durability, track record, etc. Also, any problems to look out for. I am thinking new 2009 truck here. Thanks in advance.
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From: Frederick, MD
with the torgueshift tranny's in ford now (automatic) since 2003, they have a real good track record. Very few people have a issue.
the auto's are generally rated to tow more than the manual.
I havn't heard any complaints about the manual either though.
the auto's are generally rated to tow more than the manual.
I havn't heard any complaints about the manual either though.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
Question back atcha - what are you pulling or doing to blow the Allisons? Pulling a big trailer? Running a chip/tuner? Nothing? The Allison is rather well regarded, and so is the Torqshift. But a tuner on the motor that does not adjust the Torqshift can tear them up. The same might be true on a Chevy, but I don't know that for a fact. Just wondering out loud. I guess the point is, the Torqshift is a great tranny, but it has limitations just like the Allison did. But between those two they are the best you can get without upbuilding.
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It is not an Allison, it is the 6L90E. That trans is also a 6 speed auto, same one they put in the 1500. I wish I had the Allison, but you can only get it behind the diesel. 6.0 liter gas. No mods what-so-ever, bone stock. Truck has 10,000 miles. Towed a 7,000 lb boat once. I have had nothing but trouble with it. It is the fifth time in the shop in the 10 months I have owned it.
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I have had an early '90s Chevy 1/2 ton and an 05 Ranger with a manual. This Chevy is my first auto daily driver. Why do you ask?
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I have an 06 F350 V10 with 154k miles same trannie it started with pull 10 to 12 k on a regular basis,very happy so far I liked it so much I bought an 08 crew cab lariat long bed V10 with the auto as well.
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Both the manual and automatic in the current super duties are darned good transmissions. I think the decision is best made based on your personal preference.
That being said, I argue that automatic transmissions are far more complex and more difficult to make reliable than engines. No transmission design is perfectly bulletproof, and automatics are unbelievably complex mechanisms with many, many, many parts to work together in perfect harmony or things go bad. Ford is doing a remarkable job with the design and production of the Torqshift. Kudos awarded.
If you get the typical good one, it'll give you years of forgettable service.
In contrast, manual transmissions are far simpler. If something goes wrong in an automatic, it is challenging to ever get it right again. Manuals are more like engines - just repair the damage and odds are good it'll be good as new everytime.
I don't hesitate to repair my own manual trans, engine, brakes, etc etc etc. But I won't touch automatics.
That being said, I argue that automatic transmissions are far more complex and more difficult to make reliable than engines. No transmission design is perfectly bulletproof, and automatics are unbelievably complex mechanisms with many, many, many parts to work together in perfect harmony or things go bad. Ford is doing a remarkable job with the design and production of the Torqshift. Kudos awarded.
If you get the typical good one, it'll give you years of forgettable service.
In contrast, manual transmissions are far simpler. If something goes wrong in an automatic, it is challenging to ever get it right again. Manuals are more like engines - just repair the damage and odds are good it'll be good as new everytime.
I don't hesitate to repair my own manual trans, engine, brakes, etc etc etc. But I won't touch automatics.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Lubbock
I had a lot if issues with the 4l60e and the 700r4 and I didn't tow much. I have yet to have a issue with my torqueshift 102k and a higher hp tune 130-175hp tunes. Ford has in my opinion a better tranny that chevy or dodge.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
Manual or auto, personal choice. At least Ford still gives us the choice - for now. Not sure how long that choice will remain. Either way you get a great tranny hanging between the legs of a great truck.
My choice is auto. Haven't had a manual since the 80's. For most of us, a failed transmission will be a swap-out operation. No more complicated to do an auto than a manual. But with the manual, you have to expect a failed clutch eventually, at the most inconvenient moment, which is as complicated as a tranny swap. Much less expensive of course. But no fun.
But autos have their own list of draw-backs, and this is not intended to be a debate of merits.
My choice is auto. Haven't had a manual since the 80's. For most of us, a failed transmission will be a swap-out operation. No more complicated to do an auto than a manual. But with the manual, you have to expect a failed clutch eventually, at the most inconvenient moment, which is as complicated as a tranny swap. Much less expensive of course. But no fun.
But autos have their own list of draw-backs, and this is not intended to be a debate of merits.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: KS
as much as i dislike any auto (i just like to row my own gears), the torqshift is supposed to be a darn good tranny. but as stated above another reason to like the manual is it's just simpler if/when something goes wrong. i like simple.
anyhow, i've yet to have a problem with the ZF6 6spd tranny in my 04, and i honestly love the way the thing drives. took a little getting used to, especially after having the clutch/flywheel replaced under warranty (i think it may have been my fault though, under educated fool i am).
either way you go with the new ford transmissions, you can't seem to go wrong! just depends on whether you want to run the gears yourself or not. just curious, you planning on sticking with the gassers as well?
anyhow, i've yet to have a problem with the ZF6 6spd tranny in my 04, and i honestly love the way the thing drives. took a little getting used to, especially after having the clutch/flywheel replaced under warranty (i think it may have been my fault though, under educated fool i am).
either way you go with the new ford transmissions, you can't seem to go wrong! just depends on whether you want to run the gears yourself or not. just curious, you planning on sticking with the gassers as well?
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I want to stay with gassers. I really like what I hear about the V-10. I know the manual vs. auto is a personal preference and it sounds like both Ford offerings are good. I like rowing my own gears, but my wife doesn't drive a stick. I know that could be seen as a benefit, but it has bit me in the past. I do like the simplicity though and the fact that my brain dictates shifts instead of some computer trying to forsee what I am going to do with the throttle.
I don't think I like all the new diesel emmissions stuff. It sounds like the good fuel mileage has gone away with the DPF and regen process.
I hope I have a chance to get a Ford. I am not sure how the GM buy-back process works or how long it takes. So far I have been very firm that they need to buy it back, but who knows? I know I sure don't trust that truck anymore. With all the issues they are having over there, they might just tell me to go jump in a lake.
I don't think I like all the new diesel emmissions stuff. It sounds like the good fuel mileage has gone away with the DPF and regen process.
I hope I have a chance to get a Ford. I am not sure how the GM buy-back process works or how long it takes. So far I have been very firm that they need to buy it back, but who knows? I know I sure don't trust that truck anymore. With all the issues they are having over there, they might just tell me to go jump in a lake.
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I asked only to give you some feedback if you were used to heavier duty manuals like the NV4500/NV5600 or Eaton units. Your experience has been on light duty gearboxes, so the ZF will be familiar in it's abilities.