The 4R100 (1998-2003) and 5R110W TorqShift (2003-2010) are Ford's HD truck transmissions. Here's how they compare.
Quick spec
4R100:
- 4-speed automatic
- ~500-650 ft-lb capacity
- 1998-2003 F-Series Powerstroke 7.3L
- Some Excursion applications
5R110W:
- 5-speed automatic (with "Tow" mode)
- ~650-800 ft-lb capacity
- 2003-2010 F-Series Powerstroke 6.0L and 6.4L
- Read our 5R110W vs 6R140
Strength comparison
4R100 stock:
- 7.3L Powerstroke applications: ~500-650 ft-lb
- Proven design with HD parts
5R110W stock:
- 6.0L Powerstroke: ~650 ft-lb
- 6.4L Powerstroke: ~750-800 ft-lb (HD parts)
With HD upgrades:
- 4R100: 800+ ft-lb
- 5R110W: 850+ ft-lb
Gear ratios
4R100:
- 1st: 2.71
- 2nd: 1.54
- 3rd: 1.00
- 4th: 0.71
5R110W:
- 1st: 3.09 (or 3.97 in "Tow")
- 2nd: 2.20
- 3rd: 1.54
- 4th: 1.00
- 5th: 0.71
Result:
- 5R110W has more gears
- Better refinement
- Lower 1st in tow mode
Applications
4R100:
- 1998-2003 F-250/350 7.3L Powerstroke
- 2000-2005 Excursion 7.3L (later models)
- Some V10 gasoline trucks
5R110W:
- 2003-2007 F-250/350 6.0L Powerstroke
- 2008-2010 F-250/350 6.4L Powerstroke
- F-450/550 chassis cab
Common failures
4R100:
- Direct clutch wear (HD use)
- Read our transmission shudder vs slip
- TCC apply
- Pump wear at high miles
5R110W:
- Solenoid pack wear
- Read our 4L80E shift solenoid replacement (concept)
- Direct clutch (6.0L era)
- TCC apply
Both:
- Suffer from neglect
- Aux cooler critical
- Read our transmission cooler installation
Rebuild costs
4R100:
- DIY: $1,200-$2,000
- Shop: $3,000-$4,500
5R110W:
- DIY: $1,500-$2,500
- Shop: $3,500-$5,500
- Read our 5R110W vs 6R140
HD upgrades
4R100 HD:
- BTS, ATS HD rebuild kits
- Sonnax HD parts
- HD torque converter
- Read our Sonnax explained
5R110W HD:
- BTS HD rebuild kit
- HD apply pistons
- HD TCC
- Result: 850+ ft-lb capable
Fluid specifications
4R100:
- Mercon V
- ~14-16 quarts capacity
- Read our Mercon vs Dexron
5R110W:
- Mercon SP (specific)
- ~12-14 quarts capacity
- DON'T substitute
Read our transmission fluid types
Service intervals
Both:
- 30,000 mile pan + filter (tow)
- 60,000 mile pan + filter (normal)
- 100,000 mile full flush
- Read our how to flush transmission fluid
Which is better for your truck
For 7.3L Powerstroke owners:
- Stick with 4R100
- Or upgrade entire engine to 6.0L+ for 5R110W
For 6.0L/6.4L owners:
- 5R110W is what you have
- HD rebuild for tow use
Don't try to cross-swap:
- Different bellhousing
- Different wiring
- Different mounting
Aftermarket support
4R100:
- Mature aftermarket
- Many rebuilders specialize
- HD parts widely available
5R110W:
- Strong aftermarket
- BTS leading rebuilder
- HD parts available
Operating practices
Both benefit from:
- Aux cooler (large)
- Read our diesel cooler sizing
- Trans temp monitoring
- Read our transmission temperature monitoring
- Deep pan upgrade
- Read our deep transmission pan
Avoid:
- Aggressive tuning without trans upgrade
- Heavy tow without cooler
- Skipped fluid service
After rebuild
- Break-in light first 500 miles
- Read our transmission rebuild break-in
- Adapt learn drive cycle
- First service at 1,500-2,000 miles
Need 4R100 or 5R110W rebuild parts? Shop our complete catalog. HD rebuild kits, Sonnax upgrades, diesel-specific solutions. Free shipping over $70.
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