difference between ford trannys?

Ford introduced the 6.0L DIT engine somewhere around March of 2003, so you are obviously referring to an early build 2003 model, if it is equipped with the 7.3L DIT engine. The automatic transmission that backs this particular engine is a 4 speed automatic, not a 3 speed. It is a 4R100 transmission, which is a derative of the E4OD that was introduced in 1988. The E4OD is derived from the old 3 speed C6 transmission. All of the above mentioned transmissions are very beefy units. The 6 speed manual is made by ZF, which is of German origin. This unit is a very tough and durable transmission an extra low 1st gear, which is very good for pulling very heavy loads. The weak links with these transmissions used to be the clutches which were known for premature failures, until they updated the design. If you come across a later build 2003 to 2007, it would be equipped with the above mentioned 6.0L DIT VGT engine and a newer 5 speed automatic with a "tow/haul" mode, that Ford calls the "Torqshift" transmission. Earlier build versions of this transmission were prone to reverse clutch drum snap ring failures. Both the 7.3L and 6.0L DIT engines are manufactured by Navistar for use on Ford's light and medium duty trucks, as well as their own trucks dubbed the D444E and VT365 respectively. The automatic transmissions are manufactured by Ford, and the manual transmissions are made by ZF as previously mentioned. Hope this helps.

Not to many auto trans in the junkers that haven`t been rebuilt allready. I don`t like shifting but this is one of the years I would stay away from for A/T . About 2001-2003 it`s an aod-1c3p-eb trans. It`s not a 3 speed but a 4 speed with a lock up converter. It could not handle the torque for what people were driving it like. go for the manual. Clutches are cheaper than trans

Most automatics are 4 speed in Ford trucks. E4OD's actually, and they perform well with medium loads. I would go with a standard if you are pulling 15K pounds regularly though. We used an auto in a 04 dually, but with 20 bales of hay on the gooseneck, it had trouble on hills. We always pushed the OD off button, though. Good Luck.

the only adjustments are the autos different than for Toyota, they use Chevrolet based autos because of the fact they have not got a pushrod v8... properly that's what I continuously theory, yet after seeing a photograph, it seems extra like a small block Ford..

go with the stick unless you like replacing transmissions. diesels put out too much torque for an auto to handle for long expetially with regular heavy loads

3 speed?2003 should have a 4 spd.auto,personally i would go for the stick,but if you add a large trans cooler the juice box should be fine.

they told you right on the automatics ,but the manual for pulling is better than the automatic is,it has lot more power with the manual shift than the automatic,they have had good luck out of the automatics though so far,there a tough truck for hauling and pulling,i think id go for the manual if i were going to be doing a lot of pulling,good luck hope this helps.

both are good trans' or ford wouldnt have them in their trucks it was bad enough" ford" took the wrap for" internationals" junk 6.0 diesel. just dont hookup bigger turbo or shift kits those usually do damage to trans'.