Power Stroke Diesel Transmission Guide

With few exceptions, identifying the transmission behind a diesel equipped Ford F-Series is as easy as finding your model year in the chart below. In the case of the ZF 5 speed (S5-42 and S5-47), a close ratio model can be differentiated from a wide ratio model by examining the identification tag on the driver's side of the transmission case. There, under "Total Ratio" the ratio spread will be listed. Some transmissions can be found in gasoline engine applications, but it's important to note that transmissions are not interchangeable between Ford diesel and gasoline applications.

Quick Reference Chart

10 speed transmission excluded due to spacial restraints

[1] - TorqShift 5R110W transmission normally shifts 1st-2nd-3rd-5th-6th; 4th ratio not used during normal driving. During cold weather operation (< 5° F), transmission shifts 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-6th.
[2] - See ratios below

Automatic Transmissions

Ford C6

The C6 is Ford's tried-and-true heavy duty three speed automatic transmission. While these transmissions are considered bulletproof, there not typically desirable in diesel applications due to 1 to 1 top gear, which keeps engine speeds high and increases fuel consumption. Additionally, there input torque rating is nowhere near that of modern overdrive transmissions. In terms of diesel applications, you'll only find these units behind the 6.9L IDI and some early 7.3L IDI engines.

Ford E4OD

The E4OD represents Ford's first attempt at an overdrive transmission for pickup truck applications. It is an electronically controlled four speed automatic transmission. They were reliable for what they were, but the later 4R100 proved to be more popular.

Ford 4R100

Ford's last four speed automatic transmission for the F-Series, the 4R100 is an evolution of the E4OD with a higher input torque rating. While the longevity on a 4R100 can be reasonable, we don't see many high mileage units in heavy towing applications. There is a variety of rebuild options that includes upgraded parts for these units.

Ford 5R110W TorqShift

The 5R110W TorqShift represents the first time that an engine platform was fully integrated with the transmission. The TorqShift completely compliments the 6.0L Power Stroke's torque curve and the two units work synchronously in delivering power to the pavement. It proved to be a highly reliable unit whose life cycle can easily exceed 200,000 miles, even in moderate towing applications.

The transmission technically has 6 forward ratios, but 4th gear is only accessible when the transmission fluid temperature is extremely cold. The transmission normally shifts 1-2-3-5-6 for five forward speeds.

Ford 6R140 TorqShift

An evolution of the 5R110W, the "TorqShift 6" added a second overdrive to the TorqShift transmission platform while also increasing the input torque capacity. This transmission would be used through 2019 until being phased out by the 10R140 10 speed in 6.7L Power Stroke applications.

Ford 10R140 TorqShift

While the 10 speed TorqShift transmission remains in its infancy, it compliments the 6.7L Power Stroke quite well. It provides a superior experience while towing by keeping the engine torque higher as it steps through gears quickly and seamlessly. Its integration with the 6.7L Power Stroke's engine brake works well, but often seems less aggressive than the comparable functions found in the 5R110W and 6R140 TorqShift transmissions.

Manual Transmissions

BorgWarner T-19

The BorgWarner T-19 is an old school, heavy duty four speed transmission found in 6.9L IDI applications. The gear ratios are relatively high and it lacks an overdrive ratio, making it fairly obsolete by today's standards.

ZF 5 Speed

The ZF 5 speed is available in several configurations, including two sub-models each produced in wide and close ratio options. The wide ratios variants provide a superior low gear for towing and are seemingly more popular. However, the Power Stroke's low end torque makes even the close ratio variants suitable for most driving conditions. These smooth shifting, heavy duty transmissions are widely reliable and can take a beating.

ZF 6 Speed

While the ZF 6 speed manual transmissions are not initially as user friendly as the previous 5 speeds, you learn to get used to the shift pattern and detent pressure that keeps the operator from accidentally grabbing reverse when 2nd is desired. 1st gear is labeled "L" on these transmissions, and for good reason; its quite low and rarely needed.

Commercial Truck Transmissions

The Ford F-650 and F-750 medium duty trucks have employed a plethora of transmission options mated to the various Power Stroke diesels that have been offered in the platform. These include manual transmissions from Eaton-Fuller and Spicer and several automatic transmission options provided by Allison. Note that this list of transmissions for Ford medium duty applications is not comprehensive and may currently be incomplete.

Eaton Fuller Transmissions

The Eaton Fuller model FS-5205A and at least six derivatives of the manufacturer's 6 speed manual transmissions have been available in Ford F-650 and F-750 applications. For a period, Ford also offered the Eaton Fuller UltraShift, a fully automatic 6 speed manual transmission that utilized pneumatic actuators to shift gears without any driver assistance.

Spicer Transmissions

Allison Transmissions

Note that there are several sub-models of the Allison 2000 and 3000 series transmissions. Although the gear ratios are identical within the transmission family, some components and may differ.