I have a class A that has a C6 auto trans. Mileage is 89,000. Fluid looks ok. Shifts fine, no problems that I could tell.I know this is a " Crystal Ball " type question, but would you trust this trans to make a trip from northern Michigan to southern Arizona ( round trip )? Our trip plans are doing Route 66 as much as we can. Speeds will be kept at 55-60mph ( we're in no hurry ).It would cost about $2000-$2200 for a rebuilt, but our budget just couldnt afford that AND the trip.It has a medium size trans cooler now. I was thinking of upgrading to a larger cooler.I haven't weighed the motor home yet, but assuming it is in the 13,000-16,000lb range by what I got from the original manuals.Motor has no worries, it only has 6,000 miles since rebuild.Moderators: I posted here so I could get info from some P.U. truck guys ( instead of posting it in the class A section ).

The C6 was one of Fords great transmissions, fluid and filter change. I use to do my own and on the C6 I would drop the pan, clean the pan new filter and gasket. Then add the normal 5 qts. or so to fill thePan!Then I would disconnect the cooler return line at the pan, have about 16 qts. handy then have DW start the engine, then start adding fresh fluid down the dipstick tube while watching the color of the fluid coming out of the return line. During this time DW was slowly shifting through all the gears, did I mention parking brake ON and wheels BLOCKED? Once the fluid coming out the return line looks clean and fresh, shutdown engine, reconnect the return line and check level and top off as needed, almost a 100% fluid change.

Got to agree with the first response. Service the trans, including flush, filters and fluids, then see how long it will continue to provide trouble free service. I do mine every two years, which works out to 30K miles lately. It's ten years old, and trouble free. I wouldn't spend a moment of time thinking about upgrading coolers or rebuilding anything until it's been properly serviced and run until issues are evident, and I'm betting you will be fine.

Personally, I don't fix things that are not broke.i only service according to mfg recommendations.So you know what I would do.

If you are taking a trip and cant afford something if it breaks along the way you may want to reconsider the trip?!BTW, the trans should be just fine!

This was Ford's HD transmission, and was very dependable. If you don't know when the transmission was last serviced, then I would just have it done. You said you would be "taking it easy", so I don't think it will give you any trouble.If you are climbing steep grades, at low speeds, any transmission can heat up, so best to avoid these type roads when you can.Jerry

89,000 miles on a Ford C6 trans | Good Sam Community

Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 29, 2016
K Charles wrote:
I think ford said oil and filter at 100,000 miles. I would not touch it if it is working fine.

I doubt any of the old 3 speed transmissions had a 100kmi service interval. I can't think of too many old autos that even lasted more than 100kmi serviced properly.

OP obviously doesn't have much history with the vehicle so can only go off the current appearance and operation of it.
I'd be suspect why a big block needed rebuilt at 80kmi if it was driven and maintained properly. And that suspicion would extend to the 25 year old trans as well.

IMO get it serviced and drive the snot out of it locally for a while to see how,it acts. Then decide if it's ready for a X country trip.
And what Scottg said. Band adjustment is critical to temps and trans life/slipping
gbopp
Explorer
Dec 29, 2016
big jim 2 wrote:
I would trust the old one as much or more than a rebuild!

X2. Just because the transmission is rebuilt, does not mean it will be problem free.

I would not hesitate to take your 89,000 mile transmission on a long trip.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Dec 29, 2016
gbopp wrote:
big jim 2 wrote:
I would trust the old one as much or more than a rebuild!

X2. Just because the transmission is rebuilt, does not mean it will be problem free.

I would not hesitate to take your 89,000 mile transmission on a long trip.

The engine was rebuilt not the transmission, I think the fluid and band change/adjust was at 50,000 miles.
KD4UPL
Explorer
Dec 29, 2016
I've never personally owned anything with a C6 but in general I wouldn't think twice about a transmission with 89,000 miles on it if it was taken care of. I've got a Chevy with 216,000 on the original trans and a Jeep with 192,000 on what I'm pretty sure is the original trans. The automatic in my Buick went out at 161,000.
JimInMich
Explorer
Dec 29, 2016
Grit dog wrote:

OP obviously doesn't have much history with the vehicle so can only go off the current appearance and operation of it.
I'd be suspect why a big block needed rebuilt at 80kmi if it was driven and maintained properly. And that suspicion would extend to the 25 year old trans as well.

I'm thinking the original owner got hosed by a dishonest service repair owner ( original MH owner was on the road ). They charged him $8000 for the job, which included a $4000 reman motor from a reputable company. And this was done back in May of 2001. $8000 for work like this 15 years ago! And yes, not many miles since. The guys wife got sick and couldn't travel, so they only drove it fairly close to some property they owned ever since.
Lessmore
Explorer II
Dec 29, 2016
Dave H M wrote:
Personally, I don't fix things that are not broke.

i only service according to mfg recommendations.

So you know what I would do.

X 2.

I'm surprised ...a bit...that you have a C6...don't think that transmission has been made for many a moon. Not criticizing, they're very good, robust trannies. Had one in a mid '70's E 350 cab and chassis, DRW, with a 16 foot box and the 460 V8. Very tough, durable transmission.
JimInMich
Explorer
Dec 29, 2016
Lessmore wrote:

I'm surprised ...a bit...that you have a C6...don't think that transmission has been made for many a moon. Not criticizing, they're very good, robust trannies. Had one in a mid '70's E 350 cab and chassis, DRW, with a 16 foot box and the 460 V8. Very tough, durable transmission.

Its a 1987 MH. 29 years old.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Dec 29, 2016
The only issue I had with my two C6s was in our 79 F250, it started leaking a small puddle of fluid overnight after about a three hour drive. Turned out to be a bad front pump seal. Seems like about less than $20 for seal, and used neighbors shop to pull the transmission.
The_real_wild1
Explorer
Dec 29, 2016
As long as the fluid is nice and red and there are no leaks I wouldn't worry about it. But the comment was made that if something does go can you afford to get back home?
K-9_HANDLER
Explorer
Dec 30, 2016
I see yours is an 87. I had a C6 in an 85 flatbed for years. It was used hard for farm chores and pulling a livestock trailer at its max load for years. Hauled in hay from the field stacked all the way up on the roof and hood. We just left a hole to see out of. The trans never gave me an issue, ever, and we never changed the filter as the pan bolts were seized. Just cracked the cooler line to pump the fluid out to change it. Great tranny.