2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Powerstroke Torque Converters

Torque converters on the 2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Powerstroke

Most 6.4L trucks left the factory with the 5R110W TorqShift, Ford's five-speed heavy-duty automatic that ran behind both the 6.0L and the 6.4L from 2003 through 2010. It uses a sixth ratio only in cold mode. The TorqShift behind the 6.4L is stronger than the 6.0L version, but the converter is one of its known weak points: a stamped-steel shell with a single-disc lockup clutch. Ford rated the 6.4L at 650 lb-ft in the F-250 and F-350, and every bit of that torque goes through the converter on its way to the gears. If your truck has the ZF six-speed manual instead, it has no torque converter and this page isn't for you.

What fails and why

The stock converter slips, shudders and sheds material. Owners notice shudder under light acceleration, a whine, mushy acceleration, overheating, stalling at stops, or codes P0740 and P0741. Towing, heat and added torque all speed that up, and on a 6.4L making more than stock power, the single-disc converter is the first thing to let go. The bigger cost is where the debris goes next: it scores the pump and plugs the valve body and the cooler. Heat makes everything worse. Damage risk rises above about 200 F, and a stuck cooler bypass valve is a confirmed cause of overheating under tow. Gear hunting on grades, with constant up and down shifts and unstable lockup, builds heat too.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

A factory-style converter fits a truck that stays at stock power and tows within reason. For heavy towing or added power, the upgrade is a heavy-duty multi-disc billet converter, installed with a complete solenoid body and a full system flush. Whichever way you go, replace the transmission cooler every time the converter comes out. Old coolers hold failure debris, and reusing one can void the warranty. Finish the job with a relearn so the adaptive shift strategy starts fresh. If you tow, an auxiliary or upgraded cooler and a transmission temperature gauge round out the package.

What we carry

This collection has converters from BD Diesel and ATS Diesel Performance. From BD you'll find the 1030222 Multi-Disc torque converter and the 1030229 Torqforce torque converter, both listed for 2008-2010 Powerstroke trucks. ATS offers its Five Star Performance torque converter, listed for 2003-2010 6.0L and 6.4L trucks. Read each product page for the lockup design and the use it's built for, then match it to how hard your truck works. For the rest of this engine's parts, start at the Powerstroke hub.

Fitment notes

These converters fit the 5R110W automatic only, so confirm your truck has the automatic, then verify by VIN with the fitment checker or a call to the shop. Plan the fluid before the job starts. Ford specifies MERCON SP for the 2008-2010 5R110W, 17.5 quarts total. Use the fluid named on your dipstick or in the owner's guide, and never mix MERCON SP with MERCON LV. A converter install also means a new cooler and a relearn.

Frequently asked questions

What does a failing torque converter feel like on a 6.4L?

The usual signs are shudder under light throttle, a whine, mushy acceleration, overheating and stalling when you stop. P0740 and P0741 are among the codes that show up with a failing converter. If the scan also shows P0731 through P0735, the transmission is reporting internal slip, and the problem may reach past the converter.

Do I have to replace the transmission cooler with a new converter?

Yes. Replace the cooler any time the converter or the transmission is replaced. A failing converter pushes debris into the cooler, and an old cooler holds onto it. Putting the old cooler back can also void the warranty on the new parts.

Is a multi-disc converter worth it if I tow?

If you tow heavy or run added power, yes, it's the upgrade that makes sense. Towing, heat and extra torque are what wear out the stock single-disc unit. Install a heavy-duty multi-disc billet converter with a complete solenoid body and a flush, and add a transmission temperature gauge so you can see when you're getting close to 200 F, where damage risk climbs.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.