With all the talk on this board of fuel economy and lack of low-end accelaration. I was wondering when Ford plans on putting a 5-speed Automatic in this truck?
It sounds like the truck and powertrain would greatly benefit from it. Hopefully it will be coming soon this seems like the only major flaw with the truck. As I remember Ford in the past stating that this new 3Valve engine would be more fuel efficent then the engine it replaced. From everyones observation so far it appears it is less fuel efficent. Any opinions?

Jimmy

 

I think Autoweek wrote that Ford simply did not have the resources to engineer a 5 speed auto this year with everything else going on. Expect a 5 speed next year.

The 5.4L engine is improved both in power and efficiency. There is a lot written about the new engine.

 

I believe that the 04 automatic is a new trans for Ford. The 05 5 speed is the same trans with an extra clutch pack. This is what I believe but could be completely wrong. If what I said is correct, it doesn't make sense that they didn't do the 5speed from the get go unless they ran out of time and money. The Dodge with the 5 speed automatic has essentially 2 second gears, and only uses that extra gear on hard downshifts. I don't think the 5 speed is a big issue. You don't get a bigger overdrive for fuel economy. Please, someone straighten me out.

 

I don't know if a 5 speed would be a big benefit on fuel economy, I do know that from my experience with the current 4 speed auto. , it is the smoothest shifting that I have ever had , it is really hard to feel the shifts during normal acceleration, and I think that is a plus.

 

I had heard or read an interview between Ford's Todd Eckart (F150 Marketing Manager) and someone wherein he (Eckart) responded to the direct question, "why did you not place a 5 speed automatic in the new F150". Eckart's response was (paraphased), "we did not need it". Eckart went on to basically say the new transmission delivers what is needed in all driving situations and conditions and a 5 speed automatic simply was not required.

Now keep in mind that Eckart is a Marketing Manager.

Screwdriver

 

There might be something to it even so. If the 5 speed isn't giving you another tall gear, and the 4 speed is doing an able job (although most say, better than ever)...what's the point of having the 5 speed? Maybe it's a case of people thinking "if four is good, five must be better, right?".

 

My experience with the 5 speed auto in my Lincoln LS is that it gives you smoother acceleration. The fifth gear is actually between the original 1st and 2nd gear. My understanding it is basically an overdrive 1st gear. It does not change the final ratio. It may give better fuel milage by not staying in 1st gear as long. Don't know, but I from my experience any vehicle would benefit by a 5 speed trans over a 4 speed. Just my opinion..

 

I know the new F150 trans is 10x better than the Dodge 5 speed. The Dodge with the Hemi and auto was NOT a nice combo. The Hemi is OK, but the trans is so mushy it simply unreal. The 1-2 shift seemed spaced as widely as the Ford (if not more so), but the shifting is just plain lousy. That along with the harsh ride is why the Dodge is gone and the Ford is in. Maybe the Hemi would win in an empty drag race, but it certainly didn't tow any better and it rode SO hard. Other than that it was a pretty nice truck .

 

Where have people heard about possible 5-speed transmissions in the trucks? I heard Ford was planning on a 6-speed auto in most RWD applications and 5-speed auto for FWD vehicles.

More gears provides the opportunity to let the engine operate more often at its best speed. Best for acceleration, best for fuel consuption, best for efficiency.

The 4-speed auto mated to the 3V 5.4L is not all new. It is the same as the prior mated to the 2V 5.4L, except with some stronger parts (clutches) to handle the extra torque.