Ford Ranger & Mazda BT-50 Nomad Valve Body Install

Daniel from Wholesale Automatics demonstrates how to install a Nomad Valve body into a 6 Speed Ford Ranger. This tutorial also applies to the 6 Speed Mazda BT50 with the 6R80 transmission.
Get the cleaner shifts that you want with this amazing product!
The Nomad Heavy Duty Valve Body upgrade is the perfect companion to any touring or towing vehicle and is a must for any one hitting the open road towing a caravan or running an engine upgrade such as a performance chip, exhaust system, or flash tune. Benefits include:
- Higher clutch clamping force.
- Better oil flow.
- Reduced temperature in torque converter and transmission.
- Approximately 1L/100km better fuel economy.
- Better lubrication.
- All OEM valve body faults are resolved.
- Better engine braking by approximately 10%
- Cleaner, slightly crisper shifts removing indecisiveness / shift delays for both up and down shifting.
- Improved drive experience and engine responsiveness.
automatictrans...

[@chrisduckworth2022]

As part of a "Trip Ready" check by my favourite 4WD place in FTG, they noted my trans oil has moisture in it. Possibly one of the deeper water crossings may have allowed some water in via the breather or some other entry point ? As part of the next service, they drained and refilled the trans fluid and OMG.. the difference was actually noticeable. So, the "Sealed for life" actually seems to be incorrect. This work was done at about 130K kms on my PX1, so worth a check on your Rangers at similar K's. I don't do much towing but I do a bit of track work and I'm setting up for longer touring trips, so anything that will help fuel economy, engine braking, reliability etc is probably a worthy upgrade. Cheers for the video, they are always appreciated !

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Goes to show how inportant it is to service your transmission, once every 2 years or 50,000Km's

[@fhclappen8595]

My Wildtrak 3.2 now has 283 000 km on. Auto Gearbox oil has never been changed. In not towing, did some off-roading, nothing too harsh. Never had a problem. Changes gears as always. This lifetime thing is a mystery. What lifetime can there be between an abused vehicle and one that wasn't abused? Has anybody got an answer to this?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

@@fhclappen8595 check this web link out: automatictransmission.com.au/newsletter/servicing-sealed-transmissions/

[@perpelle]

This is strange. I don't believe in sealed for life one bit but the average Joe who service their vehicle at an authorized dealer won't get the fluid changed = problem. What does Toyota say about their auto in the hilux? Sealed for life as well? They certainly want you to change the oil very regularly (15 000 km). Almost to often imo.

[@Wtrxprs007able]

Usually "sealed for life" means life until they're dead and blown.

[@prevost8686]

Ford used to have a converter drain plug on their rear wheel drive transmissions. I guess since they decided that transmissions no longer required service that a drain plug was not needed.

[@yyabay]

horseshit, 60k km oil change for 10R80

[@jemty9564]

Great to watch guys. Cheers from two West Aussies in Saudi Arabia

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Thanks for watching!

[@mathieubarras9686]

Hi. About 2 years late, but are you guys still in Saudi Arabia?

[@markwalker5231]

Great instructional vid, best I’ve seen 👍

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Thanks for that Mark👍

[@mervpatterson2042]

Excellent video fellas opened my eyes to some of the problems that might be misdiagnosed on my BT50 !

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Glad it helped

[@einfelder8262]

I'm surprised that you don't fit a drain plug as part of this upgrade. Would be dead easy and make servicing a breeze. Sealed for life transmissions are a very bad thing.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Many customers fit our new Deep Cast Aluminium Pan that comes std with the drain plug. This upgrade is extremely common when doing a transmission service, Nomad valve body upgrade or thermal bypass valve, here is the web link: automatictransmission.com.au/shop/ford-6r80-deep-pml-transmission-pan/

[@CKJautomotive]

I do this to every 6R80 that comes through my shop. Recently replaced the trans on my 3.2 and that was the 1st thing I did. Will change the fluid again 1000km after the replacement then do the thermo bypass and fit a modified/billet oil pan for more capacity. I have also removed the oil/water cooler and fitted 2 oil/air coolers up front with a fan.

[@nitsujnaej]

Pretty dumb not to include a drain plug in the bottom of the pan.

[@poopathyraaja9949]

Agreed 👍

[@Nascup]

Can easily just suck the oil out of the dipstick hole

[@Wtrxprs007able]

​@Nascup most cars don't have a dipstick.

[@yunieskerjoseespinosamarre1174]

Super!!! Thank you so much 👍

[@kenzoGamingRoblox]

wat ia the trouble for the valvebody

[@Stuboy2001]

Great video! I am surprised though that you would go to all this trouble and not replace the solenoids. Do they not play up over time?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

If a solenoid is faulty it is very obvious and easy to change out as we go. In this case none were needed and to change them all would be both expensive and way over kill in the case of the Ford Ranger. We do it for a couple of models like the Nissan Patrol 4 speed as they are always well down on meeting there operational parameters.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

Thanks guys. That was surprising and illuminating. The valve body looks like a really robust bit of aluminium casting, where it would appear will never wear out, why was it necessary to change it?

[@MiniLuv-1984]

PS, pardon my ignorance!

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Almost every Ford Ranger/BT50 valve body we see seem to have several faults, most to do with severe valve bore wear and leak-by. We test each valve body for leak down problems and modify to stop this from happening again. Eliminate all leak down problems and we can even reduce valve ware by 95% simply by reducing transmission temperatures. Unfortunately, a lot of owners are told they need unnecessary rebuilds when problems do occur when 80% of the time a ungraded valve body will solve the problem

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@WholesaleAutomatics Ahh, I get it. Poor design, high pressure and temperature produces leaks in the valve body. OK, didn't know that, thanks.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Not so much design but more poor choice of materials considering how hot this transmission is being run. An oil cooler makes a massive difference to the longevity of the Ford Ranger/BT50 valve body.

[@johnhargreaves2647]

Hi great video 👍 my question is I have a 2017 wildtrack 3.2 that’s done 47000 miles what would your advice be to do if anything at all to look after my transmission I intend to keep the vehicle and the miles will increase so any advise would be greatly appreciated thank you.

[@TOMUCHLUX]

Would you not do a complete flush of the system including the torque converter?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Yes you are correct and we do a full flush every time and it is by far the best way to service your auto.

[@deanhumphrey1382]

Does this help stop the "flare" in the gears when towing, feel like when my ute tows it take a long time for the converter to lock into a gear and stop revving un necessarily.

[@kman6482]

Had Ford do mine, only for warranty purposes.

[@Wtrxprs007able]

Is it possible to do the valve body and deep pan upgrade on the diesel territorys with the same transmission?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

I don't know sorry, We have never tried with the 2.7L Diesel Territory, Sorry. The year dates are the same but not 100% sure.

[@YMSimRacing]

I've heard installing this can improve the auto gear shifting on the ranger? I just rebuilt my transmission with Billet Torque converter but the gears were always shifting funny from day one. Does this part improve that or do I need o tune my transmission?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

There is a lot of questions I have here. Would be best to call me on 03-97628004. They will take a message and I will get back to you on this. Long Live iRacing!

[@babrananyonga7608]

Excellent 👌👍

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@johnsmith-ub7vr]

Ball park what does a repair like this cost?

[@warrencauser1198]

I have a Mazda B2 50. I’m assuming the gearboxes are the same. Can you tell me what the problem was with the gearbox that you are repairing mine has a slight noise in not all the time. I was just wondering if you’ll give up had the same problem there. No transmission people are telling me that I need to a new gearbox or a gearbox that has under 100 km on it.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

In the case of the 3.2L BT50, 80% of the time the valve body has worn the valve bores out quite heaverly, this normally shows as slips or thumps between gear changes and is fixable with a heavy duty Nomad valve body. 10% the electrical lead frame (wiring) on the valve body fails and needs replacing with a new lead frame and 10% is the torque convertor mounting fails. Your noise could be an oil filter problem especially if the transmission has not been serviced, or the noise is not within the auto at all and required someone local to you to hunt it down.

[@warrencauser1198]

@@WholesaleAutomatics thank you for this information.

[@1966human]

No drain plug?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Not on the standard Ford Ranger pans. They are on the Deep Cast Aluminum pana we sell.

[@peterantonic6923]

Thank you for shedding some light on the “Sealed for life crap” manufacturers are trying to sell. The fluid in that tranny was absolutely stuffed, black as can be. How on earth do they expect the tranny to last the life of the vehicle, especially if it is used for towing by tradies? I was very surprised you didn’t flush the converter, lines and cooler- they would have been full of the black burnt oil that was in the pan. Surely another $100 or so in oil wouldn’t have broken the bank?

[@christopheradams5879]

HI GUYS WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT YOU NEED TO DO THIS? HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? AND DO YOU RECOMMEND ANYBODY IN BRISBANE TO DO THE JOB? THANKS GUYS

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

We find that 50% of customer do the valve body because they want the upgrade for much better shift feel and complete reliability while the other half are doing the upgrade because they have started having problems with the transmission, most notably shifting issues. We have a couple of installers in Brisbane and the Heavy Duty Nomad Ford Ranger Valve Body is $2276 inc gst "Fully Fitted" in Brisbane.

[@silviucocir2014]

hallo , can you please tell me where is located Output Speed Sensor ( OSS ) in this 6R80 automatic transmission?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

it is part of the lead frame on the valve body. You can order a Heavy Duty Nomad Valve Body and request that it comes with lead frame. Email [e-mail]

[@BenoJ3000]

I have a US mustang with the 6r80, would these or the heavy duty be a good fit for these transmissions?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Yes but we would need to do your own valve body.

[@johntrueblue]

Ive just resently bought a 21 model Wildtrak so Is there a version for the 10sp transmission?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

We are starting this development program October this year when our new Ranger arrives.

[@yosefbegic8851]

I have your cooler and bypass fitted, will this body stop the clunk in the box on my 2019 BT50?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Most likley Yosef.

[@darrenpolwarth5686]

Hi , So when your cooler bypass valve is fitted the spring is also removed and not fitted with your bypass valve ?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Yes thats correct. the valve is made to reach both ends so it doesn't move.

[@darrenpolwarth5686]

@@WholesaleAutomatics thanks , just wanted to be sure . Cheers

[@olnarhargats8902]

Hi. I have problem with my ranger px2 transmission range selector, what is part of a lead frame body. I got a brand new one, but it came with valve body. In case I get it replaced as a whole ( lead frame assembly and valve body) do I have to get it programmed/reset in ford dealer? Also same question if I just get the lead frame assembly replaced. Thanks!

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

As long as you are not changing the solenoids or changing any of the solenoids from their original position then no, you don’t need to reprogram or reset the computerr.

[@MrVenville]

What are the advantages of changing the valve body ?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

The factory valve bodies have several faults, most to do with severe valve bore ware and leak-by. When we build a Nomad valve body we increase base-line pressures, increase lock-up pressure, massively improve cooler flow, test each valve body for leak down problems and modify to stop this from happening again. Eliminate all leak down problems and we can even reduce valve ware by 95% simply by reducing transmission temperatures. You transmission becomes fully serviced and flushed with new oil, oil filter, pan gasket and case sleave. All OEM upgrades are done. Unfortunately, a lot of owners are told they need unnecessary rebuilds when problems do occur when 80% of the time a ungraded valve body will solve the problem.

[@baron30001]

Are you guys going to make one of these diy videos for the 6 speed aisin unit that is used it the dmax, triton and hilux?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Do have one already available on our web site and will be putting it up on KZbin in the coming weeks but in the meantime here is the web link: automatictransmission.com.au/technical-support/valve-bodies/install-videos/ac-60-nomad-valve-body-2/

[@Paul-qq7mh]

How hard is it to install a drain plug.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Better to fit a deep cast aluminuim pan Paul, here is the diret link: automatictransmission.com.au/shop/ford-6r80-deep-pml-transmission-pan/

[@peterlevy7679]

Why do you change the valve body.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

The factory valve bodies have several faults, most to do with severe valve bore wear and leak-by. When we build a Nomad valve body we increase base-line pressures, increase lock-up pressure, massively improve cooler flow, test each valve body for leak down problems and modify to stop this from happening again. Eliminate all leak down problems and we can even reduce valve ware by 95% simply by reducing transmission temperatures. You transmission becomes fully serviced and flushed with new oil, oil filter, pan gasket and case sleave. All OEM upgrades are done. Unfortunately, a lot of owners are told they need unnecessary rebuilds when problems do occur when 80% of the time a ungraded valve body will solve the problem.

[@peterlevy7679]

In your opinion is it worth changing the fluid and what fluid would you use, cheers love you video's.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Yes, the transmission Must be serviced once evey 2 years or 50,000km's Peter. Any full synthetic automatic transmission oil will work perfectly for the 6 speed Ford Ranger.

[@BCBtrucks64]

just wondering about the cooler valve being used in this install i'm just about to do the cooler /heat exchange swap and cooler bypass valve and alloy pan with the stock valve body (2016 ranger ) the cooler bypass in the video looks like a solid unit is this one only compatible with the revised valve body as opposed to the one i have has the four holes in the middle part of the body towards the top sleeve and one smaller hole towards the bottom sleeve being a cooler flow control valve from Superior Solutions

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

No they both work exactly the same so valve body doesn't make any differnce.

[@benni727]

how much dose this exercise cost roughly

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Fully fitted about $2195 inc gst for the Ford Ranger/BT50 3.2L. Includes transmission and thermal bypass upgrade.

[@wozg83]

Whats the full cost of this replacement / upgrade 👌👍 great vids too

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Check out our website askorto.com.au or calls sales on 03 9762 8004

[@hoaniwitana1104]

Is this trans the same as the 10 speed.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

No it is a completely different design.

[@steveaxemon]

When you change the lead frame can the car self learn or you need to program

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Not for the lead frame Kleve. Even if you have to change solenoid, as long as it is the same calibration code you still wouldn’t need to program and self-learn would have little if anything to do.

[@tigerward88]

Ridiculous how there is no drain hole

[@jorjimaco5331]

👍🍻🛠

[@fredorji1]

what do these valve bodies do that the original dont ?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

The original OEM valve bodies have a few faults, mostly to do with severe valve bore wear and oil leak-by. We build our Nomad Valve Bodies to increase line pressures, increase lock-up clamping pressure, massively improve cooler flow, test each valve body for leak down problems and modify to stop this from happening again. Eliminate all leak down problems and we can even reduce valve ware by 95% simply by reducing transmission temperatures. You transmission becomes fully serviced and flushed with new oil, oil filter, pan gasket, case sleave and all OEM upgrades are done. Unfortunatly a lot of owners are told they need unnecessary rebuilds when problems do occur when 80% of the time a ungraded valve body will solve the problem.

[@fredorji1]

@@WholesaleAutomatics thanks for that , can you recomend any one in perth to install and supply please

[@fredorji1]

oh its for a 2019 prado gxl

[@rods907]

I bet he replace that trans now!, that was black it’s supposed to be a brite red!!! )oil)

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Goes to show that you really need to service these transmissions. Cooler goes a long way as well.

[@fairdinkum9454]

Fill for life…?! Oil, in work?! 🧐🤭😣👎🏼

[@mikefuentes2657]

Why did ford do this to us ? What a useless mess !

[@4bnewb969]

Good job 👍 certainly messy without a drain plug. With the state of that oil, you do wonder what length of time (or kms) Fords ‘sealed for life’ means. Is that trans , Fords or a trans makers unit like the Aisin unit in Tritons, Hilux, Prado etc ? Cheers

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

This transmission is Fords, but it was designed by ZF and licenced to Ford. It is very closely related to the ZF6HP26 transmission that has an internal transmission electro-hydraulic control module, more widely known as a TECHM, while the Ford 6R80 has a combined engine/transmission management system (ECU).

[@josht3261]

I’m just about ready to order a valve body and cooler kit so your videos have come out just in time.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Perfect timing then Josh

[@angesrcs]

Hey guys great video. I have a 2012 4x2 BT50, with 75,000 on the clock. do you recommend a trans cooler kit, even though i will never tow a caravan or work trailer. it would just be the odd visit to the tip with a small trailer.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Yes, absolutely Anges. Even you don't intend to tow an oil cooler will make your transmission last a hell of a lot longer, and I mean a lot longer!

[@angesrcs]

@@WholesaleAutomatics ok thanks heaps. I was getting mixed messages to put one in, should I get the bypass valve also?👍🏼🚗.

[@johnmarieriley8604]

I have a 2012 ranger and gear change down from 5th to 4th is really harsh, will doing this fix the issue ?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Yes this is fairly common John.

[@tonychristensen6714]

what does it cost to have the valve body replaced on a px ranger ? my nephew was just quoted 6k

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Our heavy duty Nomad valve body is $2400 inc gst fully fitted with full flush full synthetic transmission service. Also comes with thermal bypass valve. Does not include lead frame or soliniods but we only replace these if they fail testing.

[@shanephillips3882]

Is there anyway to check if solenoid is ok or rat shit?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

We can test them in house but they can't be done without the equipment.

[@usamawarraich7571]

Hey where can we order this?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

You can find our products on our website - automatictransmission.com.au/

[@TheTransmissionman]

That oil that came out of trans has been overheated, you should have pulled out and overhauled the trans.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

They are all like this when they don't have an external oil cooler and thermal bypass valve fitted.

[@TheTransmissionman]

@@WholesaleAutomatics IF i had pulled that sump off and found the oil in that condition it would have come out, but also when you dropped the sump of and used a rag to remove all the metal in sump,let along what you may have found if you had opened up the filter. Forgive me,i have a 45 years fixing auto transmissions that don’t come back monday

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

This is one of the best looking pans you will ever see from a ford Ranger. They all look like this after just a few months of running as Ford fits them with a thermal valve that runs them at 90c minimum which is quite high. We service 5-6 of these every day and they are all exactly the same. Except for those than run a cooler and thermal bypass valve. The oil in them looks like the day it went in even after two years on running. The Nissan Y62 and VW Amarok also do the same problem with dark oil. You can open them up as we did in this video and every clutch was perfect! The seals will eventually go rock hard and it effects the valve body horribly as they all fail leak down testing after just 80,000Km's.

[@oldmanJ]

Can you ship your cooler kits internationally,(Thailand)

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Yes, and you can buy online and it will ship direct to you.