Cummins to Ford 5R110 Torqshift

Posted by Diesel Conversion on Oct 15th 2020

Cummins and Ford 5R110 Automatic Transmissions:

Q: Do I have to grind the starter pocket when adapting this transmission to a Cummins?

A: No, you do not have to do any grinding to the bell housing for starter clearance.

Q: How is the 5R110 transmission tuned?

A: DCS maintains the stock Ford TCM/PCM and harness, and with the use of HP Tuners we modify 5R110 shift points and torque converter lock-up to perform behind the Cummins engine.  Read up on our Ford TCM tuning for more detail. 5R110 tuning is only available for 6.0L and 6.4L diesel trucks. Access to a computer and email is required, a laptop is recommended for data logging but not required.

Transmission tuning for gas trucks with 5R110 is not supported. Replacement of the 5R110 with a 4R100 is a viable option in gas trucks.  An aftermarket controller, such as US Shift, is required for this conversion.

Q: Will my tow/haul button still work?

A: Yes, the tow/haul function is retained with DCS transmission tuning.

Q: Will the transmission temperature gauge in my dash work? What about my neutral safety and reverse lights?

A: When used with our tuning and wiring instructions, the stock transmission temperature gauge, neutral safety, and reverse light functions all work- even with aftermarket control.

Q: Are shift points adjustable?

A: Yes, Shift and torque converter lock up points are completely adjustable, making it possible to optimize your power train for your specific needs.

Q: I have heard that I need a different torque convertor. Is this true?

A: The 6.0/6.4 diesel torque converter works just fine in most cases. Our adapter plates and flex plates are designed to work with a stock configuration torque converter. If you are planning to turn your Cummins horsepower levels up we would recommend a high performance torque convertor to prevent torque convertor clutch slippage. If you are concerned about getting the maximum power transfer efficiency possible, then you may also consider a custom converter with a different stall speed. Stall speed is perhaps the most misunderstood function of a transmission. We have talked to more than a few customers who got a custom converter that ended up having a higher stall than a stock one. If you are concerned about convertor stall speed we recommend getting some references from a reputable local transmission shop.  Be aware there is a lot of bad information out there. We use the stock and original converter for most of the conversions we do in our shop.

Q: Is the 5R110 a good transmission to swap in an older truck?

A: Due to the tuning required we do not recemmend using the 5R110 transmission in older trucks. A 4R110 is often a preferred choice. 

Q: Will my Ford warranty still cover the transmission?

A: Probably not, but it depends on the dealer you work with. Your chances will be better if you choose to use the stock system.

Throttle Position Sensor Options

A throttle position sensor (TPS) is required for any transmission controller to work properly (see more information below). There are several options available. If your Cummins has a sensor on it already this works the best. All 98.5 and newer engines will have one. Earlier engines may have one if the engine was in a Dodge pickup with an automatic transmission originally. Instructions will be included with your controller that will direct you on how to do the wiring

1989-1993 12 Valve Cummins with Bosch VE rotary injection pump

If you are installing this engine into a 1967-2002 Ford with the 5R110, the best tps option for you is a universal cable operated tps.These are available through us from either PCS or Compushift for their advertised price.If installing this engine in a 2003-2010 Ford Diesel, we have pedal bracket kits available to allow the stock pedal to be used for the throttle position sensor.If you happen to have this Cummins and it has the stock Dodge tps, it is usable, but they are very expensive to replace.

1994-1998 12 Valve Cummins with Bosch P-7100 inline injection pump

If you are installing this engine into a 1967-2002 Ford with the 5R110, the best tps option for you is the factory Ford throttle pedal.

If installing this engine in a 2003-2010 Ford Diesel we also have pedal bracket kits available to allow the stock adjustable or fixed pedal to be used for the throttle position sensor.  See our pedal identification article Here to identify your pedal if you are interested in this option.

1998.5-Present 24 Valve Cummins

5R110- These transmissions work well any conversion. Many of our customers have used them behind a 400+ horsepower Cummins just the way they are, including the stock torque converter. You do not have to do any grinding to the bellhousing for starter clearance. Our adapter plate and custom flex-plate uses the stock converter configuration, saving you from having to buy a custom dimensioned torque converter. You will need a laptop computer to work together with us to get the final shift tuning just right.

After you get your truck running, we plan on helping you learn how to use the laptop computer to data log the transmission shifting and receive edited calibrations from us via e-mail. The 5R110 often takes longer to tune than a 4R100 or E4OD, but we feel the advantages the newer 5R110 transmission has to offer outweigh this drawback. Believe us, these services are money well spent! With our technical support, the set up and adjustment of the controller is not difficult, it just requires some of your time. We recommend the owner of the truck work with us directly when it comes time to tune the transmission.

Be prepared that when you first get your truck running the transmission may not shift properly and tuning can take a few days, exchanging multiple data logs for edited calibrations.

Shift and torque converter lock up points are completely adjustable, making it possible to optimize your power train for your specific needs.

Adaptable Transmissions:

Ford 6.0/6.4 5R110 AT