Next week my dealer is supposed to put in the friction modifier in my 1999 5 speed truck. Is the friction modifier like a thick oil added to the tranny to make shifting easier and if so, to do the job correctly does the mechanic need to drain the trans oil and torque converter and add new oil? Just want to know b-4 i go in so he doesn't give me the run around. The truck has only 1,000 miles. Thanks, Bob.

 

Bob,
Your 5 speed does not have a torque converter, only auto trannys do. The dealer doesnt have to drain the trans fluid to add the modifier, although they may. The modifier is just a synthetic fluid that they add to the tranny. Its real slippery stuff that reduces friction on the internals of the trans making it easier to shift. It helped on one of my 5 speeds.

 

Bob1: I think friction modifier is for the differential. I'm not a professional mechanic but I have only heard friction modifier used in reference to limited slip rear-ends. Could be wrong. Also, since you said you have a five speed I assume that it is a manual transmission since Ford doesn't make a five speed automatic. Anyway, torque converters are an automatic transmission component - they don't put them in manuals!

What has brought up this "need" for a friction modifier? What problems are you having?

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, SC, ORP, 5.4, Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt nerf bars and fog light mod.

 

kkirt,

There is a friction modifier for manual transmissions, Ford used it in mine. It's some kind of synthetic additive. Also Ford does have a 5 speed automatic transmission, it's currently in use in the Explorer, has been for a couple of years. It is supposed to be expanding to other models in the future. For bob's purpose though he has a 5 speed manual.

 

Since the shifting is rough, i decided to take it to the dealer. The service mgr. wasn't familiar with the problem i was having so he called the Ford plant and they told him to put in the friction modifier. They didn't do this. Rather they told me to drive about 1,000 miles first to see if the shifting gets better. It's worse now. I'm going to ask him this time to put in the modifier. Bob.

 

Once again, proven wrong on both counts! Thanks for the correction

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, SC, ORP, 5.4, Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt nerf bars and fog light mod.

 

At the risk of running this topic into the ground,is the friction modifier a one-time fix or do i need to add it everytime the transmission is serviced? Thanks again. Bob.

 

Bob: good question, I don't have a clue if the modifier only works while in transmission or if it makes some type of permanent changes in there??? Ask Ford when you have it put in, and let us know too.

 

I had my dealer put in the friction modifier in my 1999 F-150 5 speed. It's too early though to tell if it's working. Will keep everyone posted. Bob.