The 6R80 and 6R140 are both Ford six-speed automatics, but they are built for very different trucks. The 6R80 is the light-duty unit used in F-150s, Expeditions and Mustangs; the 6R140 is the heavy-duty unit introduced for the 2011 model year behind the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel and 6.2L gas V8 in Super Duty trucks. They are not interchangeable: the cases, bellhousings, controls and strength are different.
6R80 vs 6R140 at a glance
| 6R80 | 6R140 | |
|---|---|---|
| Duty | Light duty | Heavy duty |
| Typical trucks | F-150, Expedition, Mustang | F-250, F-350 and larger Super Duty trucks |
| Gear ratios | 4.17 / 2.34 / 1.52 / 1.14 / 0.87 / 0.69 | 3.97 / 2.32 / 1.52 / 1.15 / 0.86 / 0.67 |
| Engines | Gas V6 and V8 | 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, 6.2L and later gas V8s |
| Fluid | Mercon LV | Mercon LV |
Why the 6R140 is so much bigger
A Super Duty diesel makes far more torque than an F-150 engine and tows much heavier trailers, so the 6R140 has larger clutch packs, a heavier case and a converter sized for diesel torque. The 6R80 is efficient and smooth in half-ton trucks but is not built for that load.
Common problems
- 6R80: erratic or harsh shifts, often from adaptive learning, wiring or solenoid faults, and converter shudder; see 6R80 problems.
- 6R140: torque converter and clutch wear under heavy towing and added power, and shift quality complaints; see 6R140 problems.
Choosing a truck for towing
If you are deciding between a half-ton and a Super Duty, the transmission follows the truck. A 6R80 in an F-150 handles trailers within the truck’s rating, but frequent heavy towing, fifth-wheel trailers or a lot of added power are what the 6R140 and the Super Duty chassis are built for. Check the truck’s door-jamb ratings and the trailer’s loaded weight before deciding, and keep in mind that the cooling system and brakes matter as much as the transmission. Whichever you have, tow/haul mode and regular fluid service extend its life; see tow/haul mode.
Successors
Ford moved the F-150 to the 10R80 and later Super Duty trucks to the 10R140; see 6R80 vs 10R80. The 6R140 itself replaced the five-speed 5R110W; see 5R110W vs 6R140.
To confirm your code, check the build data or the identification tag on the transmission; see what transmission do I have?
Replacement units we list
- RoadReady Ford 6R80: $3,099.00
- RoadReady Ford 6R140: $4,499.00
- StreetMonster Ford 6R140: $4,899.00
- SportMonster Ford 6R140: $7,194.95
Each includes a torque converter. Browse 6R80 transmissions and 6R140 transmissions.
More guides: how long a 6R80 lasts · how long a 6R140 lasts.
Shipping is a flat $80.00 per order to US addresses, with 15-day free returns. Questions? Ask a parts specialist.