89,000 miles on a Ford C6 trans

[JimInMich]

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 ).

[Mike_LeClair]

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

[Powerdude]

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.

[carringb]

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.

[Cummins12V98]

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.

[K-9_HANDLER]

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.

[The_real_wild1]

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?

[rhagfo]

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.

[JimInMich]

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.

[Lessmore]

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]

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.

[KD4UPL]

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.

[rhagfo]

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.

[gbopp]

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.

[Grit_dog]

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