The 6R80 and 10R80 are the six-speed and ten-speed automatics Ford used in the F-150, Expedition and Mustang. The 6R80 served through much of the 2010s, and the 10R80 replaced it starting in the 2017 F-150. The ten-speed spreads its ratios wider, from 4.70 to 0.64 against the 6R80’s 4.17 to 0.69, which gives quicker launches and lower highway engine speed, at the cost of more complexity.
6R80 vs 10R80 at a glance
| Factor | 6R80 | 10R80 |
|---|---|---|
| Gears | Six forward | Ten forward |
| First / top gear | 4.17 / 0.69 | 4.70 / 0.64 |
| Ratio spread | About 6.0 to 1 | About 7.3 to 1 |
| Fluid | Mercon LV | Mercon ULV |
| Era | Roughly 2009 to 2017 | 2017 onward |
6R80 vs 10R80 gear ratios
The 6R80 runs 4.17, 2.34, 1.52, 1.14, 0.87 and 0.69. The 10R80 runs 4.70, 2.99, 2.15, 1.77, 1.52, 1.28, 1.00, 0.85, 0.69 and 0.64. A deeper first gear and a taller top gear, with smaller steps between, let the engine stay near its efficient speed; see the gear ratio calculator.
Reliability
The 6R80 is generally regarded as durable, with lead frame, valve body and converter issues as its most familiar problems; see 6R80 problems. The 10R80 draws more shift-quality complaints, many addressed by software, and some internal failures are reported; see 10R80 problems. For towing, both work well with a healthy cooler and fresh fluid.
Which trucks have which?
F-150s generally used the 6R80 from the 2009 model year until the ten-speed arrived, which happened first with the 3.5 EcoBoost for 2017 and across most engines for 2018. The Mustang and Expedition followed similar changeovers. Confirm your transmission with the door-jamb label or VIN before buying parts; see what transmission do I have?
Can you swap a 10R80 into a 6R80 truck?
It is a major conversion rather than a bolt-in: the cases, electronics, wiring, crossmember, driveshaft and engine calibration differ. Replace like with like unless you are planning a full swap with the matching control systems.
Driving differences
Owners moving from a 6R80 to a 10R80 truck usually notice more frequent shifts and lower engine speed on the highway. The ten-speed often skips gears when accelerating gently, which is normal. The 6R80 feels simpler and more predictable to some drivers, while the 10R80 makes better use of turbocharged engines’ torque.
Fluid and service
Both need their specific fluid, and neither uses a conventional dipstick on most trucks, so level checks are done at a fill or check plug at a set temperature; see how often to change transmission fluid.
Replacement transmissions
Our RoadReady 6R80 is $3,099.00 and the RoadReady 10R80 is $4,099.00; see our 6R80 and 10R80 pages.
More guides: 6R80 vs 6L80 · how long a 6R80 lasts · how long a 10R80 lasts.
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