2017 Explorer Sport Transmission Type

[9nerFinder50]

Hello all, new guy here.

I did a search and didn't see any threads specifically answering this question, so if there is already a thread on this or this thread is not in the right place, I apologize in advance.

I have a new 2017 Explorer Sport w/ 3.5 Ecoboost.

After doing a little research, I learned that the Ford Explorer Sport is equipped with a 6f50 transmission. This transmission is said to be rated to handle 300HP and 280ftlb of torque. A heavier duty 6f55 is said to be used in the Taurus SHO and Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility.

My question is this: Why is Ford using a transmission that is not rated for at least 360HP in the Explorer Sport? Why are they using the 6f55 in the Taurus which is a lighter vehicle that in most cases wont be used for towing purposes, but aren't using this transmission in the heavier tow capable Explorer? This makes ZERO sense to me...

I also recently had my Explorer tuned by Livernois. I am running an additional 70HP (CAI, 3 bar map sensor, 160 thermostat, 91 octane programming). Short of performing a basic transmission pan drain and refill every other engine oil change (I have always done this on all my vehicles) I am concerned the "weak" transmission that Ford puts in the Explorer is going to give me problems down the road after the warranty is up. I plan on keeping this truck for a long time. It was a BIG investment for me.

Also, I know my vehicle has the class III tow package, but that only appears to give you an engine oil cooler. Does the 2017 Explorer Sport have a transmission oil cooler as well? If not, what would be a good aftermarket transmission cooler? What are some of you guys using, if anything?

Thanks!

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum.
I have a Platinum with the same engine and mine has the 6F55 transmission.
Dealer installed Class 1 Hitch
towing package myths ??
Where did you get your info from?

Peter

 

[9nerFinder50]

Welcome to the Forum.
I have a Platinum with the same engine and mine has the 6F55 transmission.

Peter

Thanks for the response, Peter!

Does your Platinum have a factory transmission cooler? If your Platinum has the 6f55, I don't see why mine would be any different? They have the same engines...Maybe I'm wrong...Amsoil lists the ecoboost explorer as having the 6f50. Maybe they are wrong as well?

 

[peterk9]

Thanks for the response, Peter!

Does your Platinum have a factory transmission cooler? If your Platinum has the 6f55, I don't see why mine would be any different? They have the same engines...Maybe I'm wrong...Amsoil lists the ecoboost explorer as having the 6f50. Maybe they are wrong as well?

I edited my initial reply. My extensive printout does not list a transmission cooler and even shows "Less engine oil cooler". Not sure if that is because it has the factory tow package. I would say that the Amsoil list is wrong and that in fact you do have the 6f55 transmission. I was able to print out very thing on my vehicle from Ford.etis before they no longer supplied the info for free. I believe there is another site where you can get the info but don't have that info at the moment. I believe it is posted within the Forum.

Peter

 

[9nerFinder50]

I edited my initial reply. My extensive printout does not list a transmission cooler and even shows "Less engine oil cooler". Not sure if that is because it has the factory tow package. I would say that the Amsoil list is wrong and that in fact you do have the 6f55 transmission. I was able to print out very thing on my vehicle from Ford.etis before they no longer supplied the info for free. I believe there is another site where you can get the info but don't have that info at the moment. I believe it is posted within the Forum.

Peter

Thanks! I did some more research and you are correct (nevr had a doubt), I found the following info on WIKI:

2009–present 6F55—6-speed transaxle (designed for use with the 3.5L Ecoboost V6)

• Lincoln MKS, Ford Flex, Ford Taurus SHO, Lincoln MKT, Ford Explorer Sport (2013-present)

I know my Explorer has the class III tow package and engine oil cooler per the Ford website. Cant find any info on whether it has a transmission cooler; probably because it doesn't. There is also very little info out there on aftermarket coolers on these 5th gen trucks...

 

[thefranchise713]

If you PM your vin I can check the build against OASIS for certain.

That being said I'm almost 100% positive of the following:

-6F55 -- Sport/Plat
-6F50 -- 3.5L NA
-6F35 - 2.3L EB

 

[luc]

On my 3.5 NA. the transmission cooler is incorporated/part of the A/C condenser

 

[9nerFinder50]

If you PM your vin I can check the build against OASIS for certain.

That being said I'm almost 100% positive of the following:

-6F55 -- Sport/Plat
-6F50 -- 3.5L NA
-6F35 - 2.3L EB

I'm all set with that, I appreciate it! I definitely have the 6F55 after doing some more research...

 

[9nerFinder50]

On my 3.5 NA. the transmission cooler is incorporated/part of the A/C condenser

I wonder if I can have the dealer install the same ATF cooler that is on the PI Utility? I'm sure that's a much better cooler and everything should carry over....I don't think anyone has tried to do this yet or cared enough to ask LOL

 

[blwnsmoke]

If you PM your vin I can check the build against OASIS for certain.

That being said I'm almost 100% positive of the following:

-6F55 -- Sport/Plat
-6F50 -- 3.5L NA
-6F35 - 2.3L EB

If you have the tow package on the 3.5L NA, you get the 6F55.