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The Ford 6F50 and GM 6T70 are the result of a joint development program between the two companies in the early 2000s. They share the same basic gear train concept and many internal design choices. Ford builds its versions (6F50, and the higher-torque 6F55) and GM builds its versions (6T70, and the higher-torque 6T75). Each company did its own controls, calibration, case details and many internal parts.
The result is a pair of transmissions that rebuilders talk about in the same breath, use some of the same aftermarket kits for, and still treat as separate units when ordering hard parts.
Who Got Which
| Unit | Common Vehicles |
|---|---|
| Ford 6F50 | Edge, Explorer (2011 and up), Flex, Taurus, MKX, MKT, MKS, Fusion V6 |
| Ford 6F55 | EcoBoost 3.5 versions: Taurus SHO, Flex, MKS, MKT, Explorer Sport |
| GM 6T70 | Equinox and Terrain V6, Malibu V6, Impala, LaCrosse, some Camaro-era FWD V6 cars |
| GM 6T75 | Traverse, Acadia, Enclave, Outlook, Impala 3.6 and other heavier V6 applications |
Key Differences
| Feature | Ford 6F50 / 6F55 | GM 6T70 / 6T75 |
|---|---|---|
| Built by | Ford, Van Dyke | GM |
| Controls | Valve body with solenoid body; PCM controlled | Valve body with TEHCM (combined TCM and solenoid assembly) |
| Common AWD add-on | PTU (power transfer unit) bolted to the transmission | Transfer unit on AWD models |
| Signature complaint | Harsh shifts, solenoid body faults, converter shudder; AWD PTU leaks and failure | Broken 3-5-R wave plate on 2007-2011 units: no 3rd, 5th, reverse |
| Fluid | Mercon LV | Dexron VI (Dexron ULV in some later years) |
| Parts interchange with the other | Some aftermarket kit parts, not cases, valve bodies or controls | Same |
Common Problems
GM 6T70 / 6T75
- 3-5-R wave plate failure: the problem that made these units famous. On 2007-2011 Lambda crossovers (Traverse, Acadia, Enclave, Outlook) the wave plate in the 3-5-reverse clutch breaks. You lose 3rd, 5th and reverse. GM revised the part and the update is in every quality rebuild kit.
- TEHCM faults: erratic shifting, codes, no communication. Needs programming after replacement.
- Shift flare: flares on the 1-2 and 2-3, often from worn clutches or valve body wear on high-mileage units.
- Converter shudder: at light throttle cruise. Fresh fluid sometimes helps; a worn converter clutch does not respond to anything but replacement.
Ford 6F50 / 6F55
- Harsh or delayed shifts: software updates first, then solenoid body diagnosis.
- Solenoid body failure: shift solenoid and line pressure codes, fail-safe gear. Replaceable with the transmission in the vehicle.
- PTU problems on AWD models: the PTU runs hot, its gear oil breaks down, and it leaks or fails. It is technically not the transmission, but it is the noise and leak a lot of Edge and Explorer owners blame on the transmission.
- Converter shudder and clutch wear: especially on tow-rated Explorers and Flexes that pulled trailers on factory fluid.
Can You Swap Parts Between Them?
Mostly no. Some friction plates, seals and aftermarket kit components cover both families because the joint design kept some dimensions in common, and you will see rebuild kits listed for both. But the case, valve body, controls, converters and many shafts and drums are unique to each company's build. Never assume a 6T75 part will fit a 6F50 because "they're the same transmission." Order by your unit and model year.
What Repairs Cost
| Job | Parts Only (DIY) | Typical Shop Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid drain and fill | $50-$100 | $150-$300 |
| 6F50 solenoid body | $300-$600 | $700-$1,300 |
| 6T75 TEHCM with programming | $350-$700 | $800-$1,400 |
| 6T75 wave plate repair | $200-$450 parts | $2,200-$3,200 |
| Ford PTU reseal or replace | $150-$900 | $600-$2,000 |
| Full rebuild, either unit | $300-$800 kit plus hard parts | $3,000-$4,500 |
On a Lambda crossover the transmission comes out with the engine cradle in many shops' procedures, so labor is heavy. On a 6F50 AWD vehicle, inspect and service the PTU any time the transmission is apart. It is cheap insurance.
Diagnosing Before You Buy Parts
- No reverse and no 3rd on a GM: wave plate until proven otherwise. Pull the pan and look for pieces.
- Harsh shifts on a Ford with no codes: check fluid level at temperature and for software updates first.
- Growl or leak at the front of an AWD Edge or Explorer: look at the PTU before condemning the transmission.
- Shudder at 40 mph on light throttle: converter clutch. Try a fluid change and see if it improves before committing to a converter.
Buying a Used Crossover With One
On a GM Lambda crossover, put it in reverse cold and again after a 20-minute drive. A 6T75 with a failing wave plate often still backs up cold and then loses reverse hot. Drive it through every gear on light throttle and feel for a flare into 3rd and 5th. Ask for service records; a 2007-2011 unit that has already had the updated wave plate installed is worth more than one that has not.
On a Ford, check the PTU first on AWD models. Look for gear oil on the passenger side of the engine cradle and smell for burnt hypoid oil. Then drive it and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. Harsh shifts that settle after a reflash are a small problem; slips with dark fluid are a big one.
Shop-Floor Verdict
The GM 6T75 has one big, well-understood failure with a known fix. A rebuilt unit with the updated wave plate is a reliable transmission. The Ford 6F50 is more of a controls and accessory (PTU) story. Either way, these transmissions live or die on fluid. Change it every 50,000 miles and twice as often if you tow, and most of the problems above never show up.
6F50 and 6T75 Parts
Master rebuild kits, reseal kits and valve bodies for Ford 6F50/6F55 and GM 6T70/6T75 transmissions.
6T75 Solenoid Kit → 6F50/6F55 Rebuild Kit → 6T75 Valve Body → Browse CoreTransmissionParts.com →FAQ
Are the Ford 6F50 and GM 6T75 the same transmission?
They were developed jointly and share a core design, but Ford and GM each build their own versions with their own controls, cases and many unique internal parts.
What is the 6T75 wave plate problem?
On 2007-2011 GM Lambda crossovers the 3-5-reverse clutch wave plate breaks, causing loss of 3rd, 5th and reverse. GM released an updated part.
Is the PTU part of the Ford 6F50?
No. The PTU is a separate unit on AWD models that bolts to the transmission. It is a common source of leaks and noise.
What fluid does the 6F50 use?
Ford Mercon LV. The GM 6T70/6T75 uses Dexron VI, or Dexron ULV in some later models.