Ford Transmission Information

Three types of transmissions are used by Ford: the front-wheel drive, the electronic rear-wheel drive and the non-electric rear-wheel drive transmissions. The model and year determine which transmission is needed.

Front-Wheel Drive

In a front-wheel drive transmission, the transmission is attached to the final drive. This creates the transaxle. The transaxle is then attached to the front axle of the car. This is how power is provided to the front wheels.

Non-Electric Rear-Wheel Drive

In a rear-wheel drive transmission, the transmission is attached to the back of the engine. The final drive is connected by the drive shaft to the transmission. This is what powers the rear wheels. The hump in a front floor board indicates a rear-wheel transmission because this is where the transmission is mounted. From 1949 to 1994, non-electric rear-wheel drive transmissions were used. From 1981 to 1994, overdrive was available in these transmissions. Electronic overdrive was available after 1988. Ford models from 1951 to 1983 had three- speed transmissions.

Electronic Rear-Wheel Drive

Electronic rear-wheel drive transmissions use a computer sensor to determine when it is necessary for the transmission to shift gears. Since 1989, computer-controlled rear-wheel drive transmissions have been used primarily in Ford truck models with the exception of the Lincoln LS.

References

• Charlietranny: Ford
• Family Car: A Short Course On Automatic Transmissions