To cut down on weight and cost, the C6 featured a simple, three-speed
Simpson planetary gearset. To aid in shift quality and long-term durability, it was the first automatic transmission designed to use the Borg-Warner flexible shift band. It had disc clutch plates instead of bands on the low and reverse gears. It got new composite plates and valving. This gave it the capability to handle up to 475 ft-lb of torque. The C6 was used in trucks and cars with larger engines. Five different bell-housing varieties exist for use with various Ford engine families: • The Windsor pattern was used on the
300 I6, the
Ford Windsor engines, and the
351 Cleveland. • The 460 pattern was used on the 351M and 400 and all of the
Ford "385" engines. • The FE pattern was used on the
FE engines. • The rare 1966–68 Lincoln
MEL 462 pattern was used on 1966–68 Lincoln Continentals with the 462 engine, and also on 1968–69 Lincoln Continentals with the 460. This pattern rounds off on the passenger side to clear the heat/AC box on the 1966–69 Lincoln firewall. • The diesel pattern was similar to the 351M/400M/"385" pattern, but they are not interchangeable. The Ford C6 transmission remains a dominant force in drag racing today, especially when equipped with manual valve bodies, transbrakes, and some units using air-shifting technology. Its robust reputation makes it a favorite in off-road applications, known for its near-indestructible nature. However, its drawback lies in its significant power consumption, impacting both performance and fuel efficiency. Despite this, it remains incredibly reliable, easily maintained, and among the most user-friendly transmissions available. Rebuilding it is also straightforward and cost-effective. Commonly found until 1989, transmissions used in 1990–1996 models were primarily an option for fleet vehicles such as F-Series trucks and Econoline vans. Applications: • 1978–1991
Ford Bronco • 1967–1996
Ford F-Series • 1964–1970
Ford Fairlane • 1966–1974
Ford Galaxie • 1966–1980
Ford LTD • 1977–1979
Ford LTD II • 1966–1979
Ford Ranchero • 1966–1979
Ford Thunderbird • 1968–1976
Ford Torino • 1966–1979
Lincolns • 1966–1969
Mercury Comet • 1967–1973
Ford Mustang • 1967–1978
Mercury Cougar • 1966–1972
Mercury Meteor • 1968–1976
Mercury Montego • 1968–1974
Mercury Monterey • 1975–1996
Ford Econoline • 1972–1989
De Tomaso Longchamp ==E4OD==