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Why Did Ford Change The Manual Transmission In 2018?


mlhm5

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In 2015 the 6-speed had 5 gears with a close-ratio and one highway gear - in 2018 the transmission had 4 gears in not so close a ratio and 2 highway gears. MPG rating for both cars was the same, so probably not for fuel economy. Instead, you get worse gearing and no improvement in fuel economy (not thinking anyone cared about fuel economy buying a 460HP car). Automatic is far better in terms of acceleration because of the gearing. In fact, the 2020 auto beats both the 2015 and 2020 6 speed in 0-60 and is faster than the 2019 GT-350 6-speed. Go figure?

 

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2018 Mustang MT-82 Manual Transmission

For the 2018 model year, you’ve probably heard many people talking about the all-new 10R80 10-Speed Automatic Transmission. Rightfully so - it’s a quick-shifting trans that surely doesn’t mess around when it comes to efficiency and straight-line performance. However, Ford has made many upgrades to the MT-82 6-Speed Manual Transmission, this version dubbed “D4.”

For the latest revision of the MT-82 transmission - which has caught a lot of criticism among drag racers for its lack of durability - has borrowed a ton of tech from the TR6060 (used in the GT500) to improve the shifting experience across the board. The MT-82 D4 has better gear ratios, which 4th gear is now 1:1 instead of 5th, which makes for a much more pleasurable driving experience. Internally, the synchros have been upgraded along with the shift forks. No more plastic guides and the center support has been upgraded.

If you own a 2011-2017 Mustang GT with the MT-82 transmission, you’ve likely experienced the infamous third gear lockout. Thankfully, the shift box has been moved to help drastically with getting locked out of gear. Along with the addition of a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch, the MT-82 will withstand a lot more abuse than it’s earlier versions.

 

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20 hours ago, mlhm5 said:

In 2015 the 6-speed had 5 gears with a close-ratio and one highway gear - in 2018 the transmission had 4 gears in not so close a ratio and 2 highway gears. MPG rating for both cars was the same, so probably not for fuel economy. Instead, you get worse gearing and no improvement in fuel economy (not thinking anyone cared about fuel economy buying a 460HP car). Automatic is far better in terms of acceleration because of the gearing. In fact, the 2020 auto beats both the 2015 and 2020 6 speed in 0-60 and is faster than the 2019 GT-350 6-speed. Go figure?

 

 

Yes, the 2018+ manual transmission is a disappointment.    The gearing hurts acceleration and flexibility compared to earlier models.   Additionally,  the shift forks in the 2018 models have proven to be a weak link and a TSB was issued for that.   As far as I know,  the shift fork issue was corrected in 2019+ but the gearing is wrong if maximum acceleration is the goal.    

 

 

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  • 6 months later...

The D4 tranny is just about perfect for a street car, especially coupled to the 3.73 Torsen, which my Bullitt has. Track rations make no sense on a Mustang, at least up to PP1 IMO. Maybe PP2s and Shelbys. Glad Ford changed them for the better :). It makes the car great on trips, with a usable 5th.

Edited by elptxjc
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  • 2 months later...

What do these improvements of the MT-82 mean involving the 2021 Mustang GT 6 speed specifically?  Can someone clarify factually that Ford has made additional improvements to the MT-82 on the upcoming 2021?  I'm currently aware that Ford blessed the Mach 1 with the Tremec directly from the outgoing 350.  Thank you Ford for listening!  I'm shying away from the 2021 GT due to the distraught and disgruntled GT owners that have been part of the lawsuit with Ford regarding the substandard MT-82 Chinese made 6 speed.  Appreciate if someone with knowledge of this to set the record straight and share your thoughts of the Tremec v/s the 2021 GT MT-82.  Thanks in advance

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