Test drove an 05 Ford F-150 today. 2WD, 4.6L, Automatic. When accelerating from a stop it seemed to hesitate. When I gave it some gas it felt like it hesitated for 1/2 second, then it grabbed, then a little more hesitation, then another grab and it would go. I didn't feel any slipping from a 5MPH start. It only happened from a stop. The trans fluid was clean and didn't have any foul smells.

I'm guessing this is a sign that the transmission is probably on the way out, right? Maybe the bands just needs to be adjusted? Probably not going to touch it with something like this going on, but I figured I'd ask here.

Anyone know what transmission they put in those?

3/17/2008 6:09:07 PM

is this the first time you've driven an automatic that new? the reason i ask is because autos, especially in trucks, drive a lot different than they did even just a few years ago. electronic management has become so complex that what you might mistake for slipping is actually just the computer cutting power between shifts, adjusting line pressure, the torque converter doing its thing, etc... you've also got transmissions with more gears and effectively splitting those gears these days. stall speeds are also up to take advantage of improved (generally higher/flatter) power curves that have come with modern engines. all of that makes for a driving experience/feel you might not be used to.

anyway, that should be a 4r75e as far as i know. basically just an improved 4r70w, mainly in the controls.

i'd say unless you're positive something is wrong, go find a similar truck and drive it as a comparison.

3/17/2008 11:21:01 PM

Yeah, this was the first time I've driven an auto newer than a mid-to-late 90's truck. It just felt really wrong to me. The hesitation was bad and the more that I thought about it I don't think I'd want it even if it came from the factory that way. Being 2WD was already a strike against it, so I just passed on it.

I'd like to find a V6 Tacoma Extra Cab. That is rated to tow 5k pounds from what I read which should cover me for just about anything I'd be likely to tow. The 4-cylinder was rated at 3500 lbs which would really be pushing it on a frequent basis.

[Edited on March 17, 2008 at 11:38 PM. Reason : l]

3/17/2008 11:36:18 PM

yeah, i'll bet it was just you're not used to one feeling like that. fords for whatever reason seem to be more pronounced than other brands. all of it actually makes for a much better performing transmission, but it does take some getting used to.

a newer v6 tacoma should be fine with that weight.

3/17/2008 11:49:21 PM

its true even in heavy trucks too, we have an 07 f750 w/ an allison automatic. damn thing scares me every time I drive it, very pronounced. give me a good ol eaton fuller any day.

3/23/2008 3:19:18 PM