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

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Dec 30, 2016
rhagfo

It would have been a bunch easier to just pull the torque converter drain plug. That is ONE thing I like about Fords they have drain plugs in the converters, not sure about new rigs.

The C6 and TH400 are just plain and simple bullet proof. I have one in this C20 with well over 400K and only had service. I did add drain plug to converter at 30K.

Your method is a great one that I have done MANY times.
carringb
Explorer
Dec 30, 2016
If it runs well now, and fluid is good, I think you're more likely to face problems running on a fresh rebuild than running as-is. Shops aren't perfect. There's always possibility of making a mistake. And some of the new imported replacement parts are inferior to the OEM stuff it came with.
Powerdude
Explorer
Dec 31, 2016
A transmission fluid change every 2 years is pretty much mandatory for me, no matter what the mileage.

I've learned that the hard way.
Mike_LeClair
Explorer
Dec 31, 2016
The C6 is a rugged and reliable trans that Ford put behind the big block motors, the FE block motors and some of the high performance 428 CJ motors. My 1978 Bronco had the C6 in it and I serviced the trans oil and adjusted bands ever two years. Never, ever a problem with it. I would encourage you to invest in a trans temp. gauge just to keep an eye on the oil temps. Otherwise, service the trans and enjoy the drive to your destination. Unless something is "going on" to cause you suspicion I think that you should be fine.

Cheers!

Mike

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