6R80 Transmission Upgrades
The 6R80 transmission is the successor of the 4R75W/E transmissions used by Ford, most commonly in their F-150 truck lineup.
Even though it offers increased torque and power output over the 4R75W/E, how reliable is this transmission?
More importantly, what kind of 6R80 transmission upgrades can you install to make it bulletproof?
Keep reading to find out.
How Reliable Is the Stock 6R80 Transmission
The stock 6R80 transmission has proven to be a strong and reliable piece of technology. Even though it was surpassed by the 10R80 in terms of performance, the 6R80 still shines in 2009-2014 F-150 trucks.
However, the 6R80 transmission is also a subject of common failures, most of which can be severe.
Things like increased temperatures resulting from broken cooler lines are relatively frequent in many vehicles with this transmission. Other problems include frequent downshifting, abrupt gear engagement, and extreme gear slippage.
Proper maintenance and a few vital upgrades are essential in preserving an otherwise bulletproof transmission that can last more than 300,000 miles.
6R80 Transmission Upgrades
Besides proper maintenance, installing certain 6R80 transmission upgrades will significantly preserve and improve your vehicle’s gearbox.
Here are some of the most common kits and upgrades you can install in this transmission model.
6R80 transmission clutch packs upgrades
The Exedy kits are the go-to part packages when it comes to upgrading a 6R80 transmission clutch pack. They are high-quality, proven, and reliable.
The Exedy upgrade parts consist of three stages:
- Stage 1 upgrade: Includes an Exedy clutch upgrade and a Billet intermediate shaft, supporting up to 800-900 wheel horsepower.
- Stage 2 upgrade: Includes an Exedy clutch upgrade, a Billet intermediate shaft, and Billet forward planetary gears, supporting up to 1300 wheel horsepower.
- Stage 3 upgrade: Includes Exedy clutches, a Billet intermediate shaft, Billet forward planetary gears, and a Billet first gear one-way clutch, supporting over 1500 wheel horsepower.
The stage 2 and stage 3 Exedy upgrades include a front pump bearing upgrade for increased resistance to inside coolant fluid pressure.
The clutch packs are an essential part of the Exedy kit upgrade. They can handle extreme torque loads and support over 1,000 horsepower (stages 2 and 3). The materials they are built from are highly resistant to heat and wear.
The clutch surface is also increased by 40% to promote improved grip and quicker acceleration.
6R80 transmission upgrades to the valve body
The valve body is the control center of the 6R80 automatic transmission.
It consists of channels, valves, and springs. The valve body controls gears’ shifting and activating the proper clutch pack.
Upgrading the valve body can provide a longer life to your transmission and prevent it from failing.
A kit like the one TransGo offers includes a hardened steel pressure regulator and redesigned TCC regulator valves which are easy to install. Both valves feature more extended lands, which improves the longevity of the bore because they distribute the workload on a wider area.
This kit will provide quick and clean shifts, with reduced gear hunting in your transmission.
