6 speed manual question
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New User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1
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From: East Tennessee
6 speed manual question
I am new to this forum, and just bought my first Powerstroke this past Friday. It is a 2001, 2wd LWB Crew Cab, with a 6 speed. The transmission seems hard to get into reverse and the low gear. Folks around here tell me this is normal for this transmission. Is it? I will probably bug the devil out of you guys until I get to know this truck, so i hope you don't mind. Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Welcome to FTE. It can be a little more difficult to shift into reverse and low. Make sure the pedal is pushed all the way in and you're not rolling. I don't use that low granny gear unless I'm pulling a heavy trailer. Think of it as a 5 speed plus a granny gear.
Spend some time reading here, and don't be afraid to jump in and ask questions on any of the threads you're reading. That's the best way to learn. Now I would suggest you make plans to change all the fluids in the truck. Proper maintenance is the key to these trucks lasting a long time. Since the truck is new to you, it's best to start off knowing all the fluids are in good shape.
Spend some time reading here, and don't be afraid to jump in and ask questions on any of the threads you're reading. That's the best way to learn. Now I would suggest you make plans to change all the fluids in the truck. Proper maintenance is the key to these trucks lasting a long time. Since the truck is new to you, it's best to start off knowing all the fluids are in good shape.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: SLC, UT
I don't know much about transmission internals, but I had the same problem and it ended up being the hydraulic system. Before you start throwing money at it though I would get others opinions. If this is the case I would recommend swapping the whole hydraulic system for a prebled assembled unit.
Again, wait for others to chime in here. Maybe check the fluid level aswell.
Again, wait for others to chime in here. Maybe check the fluid level aswell.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 366
Likes: 6
From: Webster, Texas
Welcome new guy
My 6-spd has always been difficult to reverse and granny gear. I was told at Ford once that its purposely that way in order to help prevent accidental shifting to those gears (which would devastate the trans). Don't feel bad about asking questions on the forum because there are many knowledgable folks here who are happy to help. And there are some who are aloof and condescending but you'll have that.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: northern Michigan
Also keep in mind that with a diesel, for maximum clutch life don't hit the accellerator until the clutch is all the way out. The engine has plenty of torgue so you need to learn to clutch different then a gas engine.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
As long as everything else is working properly - it may help to put it in another gear before reverse. This helps slow down anything still spinnin' in the trans. I've had manual trans in every vehicle I've ever owned - I think that made the transition to my first diesel harder. It sure ain't like the Toyota I put 150k on right before I got in it!! 
The first time I engaged the LUK clutch I have now - I was sure it was broken. I swear it is as easy to push in as the little toyota's!!
Even wifey can drive it now! 
The first time I engaged the LUK clutch I have now - I was sure it was broken. I swear it is as easy to push in as the little toyota's!!
Even wifey can drive it now!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 0
From: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Congrats on getting a good truck and welcome to FTE. Yes I think it is normal. I thought the same thing when I got my truck, you will learn how to make it shift good.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Oakland, OR
I've noticed that mine's a lot tougher to put in low or reverse when it's cold. I've gotten in the habit of parking it in one of those gears to make it easier to leave when the engine's cold.
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