6sp problems - Diesel Forum

1640 · 10-24-2007, 08:25 AM

I've heard bad things about Fords 6sp from some local guys. The trucks were early 2000's with juiced 7.3's. I'm not real sure by how much. Is there any truth to there 6sp not being dependable? I'm looking at a 2008. Or is the auto the way to go. I would rather have a manual but not problems with it.

luke0204 · 10-24-2007, 09:20 AM

I owned an '02 7.3L and an '04 6.0L both with 6spds. Both worked well and both were chipped. Never had any issues. A friend of mine had an '04 dually with a 6spd and ran it for ~130,000 miles towing most of the time at max GCWR with no issues. I think there were some issues with the early super duties, but I think they've ironed those out. I can't speak for the 6.4L but I prefer the 6spd to the auto in the other Fords I've had. Although now I went to the dark side and love it, but I do miss my manuals.

mbcolorado · 10-24-2007, 09:57 AM

My 02 7.3 is a hand shaker, no problems. I tow a toyhauler thru the mountains with a 60 hp DP Tuner chip. I do think I would try the new auto. next time after reading the post here. It seems you have the ability to hold back loads similar to the stick but possibly have additional engine braking. Not sure if thats thruback pressure in the auto. trans. but seems to work.

OMCUSNR · 10-24-2007, 12:52 PM

Was it really a problem with the TRANS or the CLUTCH?

The torque shift is a good auto trans and will do well. It'll also give you a higher towing capacity (still haven't figured that out). But I do like the control a manual trans gives me. If you are looking for one on a 6.4, though you're probably going to have to special order it. They are VERY few & far between.

luke0204 · 10-24-2007, 05:29 PM

I have to mirror OMCUSNR_RET on the fact that the issue was more clutch related on the early ones rather than the gearbox itself.

I'm going to have to go drive one even though I hate to do it since it's kind of ripping the dealer off since I'm not buying but a couple dealers have F250 SC short beds with 6spds on the lot. Definitely a rarity these days. I'm just afraid also I might like it too much even though my current ride is great.

CMB430 · 10-24-2007, 07:41 PM

Like the others said, they are hard to come by. I had two to choose from in a 500 mile radius without special ordering. Luckily, the one I got had over 90% of what I wanted in terms of options.
3rd gear is a bit noisy going in when it is cold. It could use a 7th gear for the highway, but it is not a sports car. I have no complaints, having owned 3 Chevy manuals and my wife had a Dakota and has an 06 2500HD, both manuals. It does not shake like a (toy women use) like the Chevy's do.

Sherman Powell Jr. · 10-24-2007, 09:13 PM

Six spd in my truck is flawless. Put in a new clutch and pressure plate at 135,000 as a precaution. The throw out bearing failed 12000 miles later in Arkansas on the way to Colorado last November. Drove it to Gunnison w/o clutch. Replaced there at a meager cost of 1800 dollars. (Tonto get it right in the shorts again) Elk hunted for 5 days out of the Rubicon I was trailering. I have towed GVW with trailer over 16 tons. I think it to be a good tranny.

johndeere5220 · 10-24-2007, 09:22 PM

I replaced the pilot bearing on my clutch @ 112k but other than that not much. Oh yeah, it can be a little hard to get into low and reverse at times but that is it.

MaineF250 · 10-25-2007, 06:58 PM

I like my handshaker....only got 110k on it now but the clutch is original. It doesn't shift like I want it to but I blame it on the hyd setup showing its age as well as maybe the clutch being worn. This one is like my '95, shifts kinda clunky empty but with a load ( 3 horses) it shifts smooth as anything out there.

6SPDMANUAL · 10-25-2007, 11:22 PM

i have junk-o-matic now, but never any trouble with my 5 or 6 speeds.

1640 · 10-26-2007, 08:19 AM

Thanks for your response's, not many people around me like fords so all I here is the bad.

Stealth03TDI · 10-26-2007, 08:41 AM

Manual's the only way to go. Have one in my 92 7.3 and the new 350. Never a problem with either. Really depends on your driving profile. If your in a daily bumper to bumper commute I'd go with the automatic, if not, the manual in my mind is the only way to go. More control since I decide the shift points, and one less computer, less parts, maintenance etc

lunchboxrts · 10-31-2007, 03:37 AM

I have owned nothing but 5/6spd ford diesel's and love everyone of them. I currently own 08 6.4 with a 6spd and I love it, no problems out of it! I test drove an 08 with and auto and it drove great but I just like my manual(more control i think).

F350_6 · 10-31-2007, 09:59 PM

Like the others have said. You can chip the truck enough that you need to upgrade your clutch, but stock or moderate driving you'll be fine. The throw out bearing is the weak link, but the factory clutch on my 02 went 212,000 before I changed it because it started slipping.