Reconditioned Ford Gearbox

15 Ford engines, and just as many identification pitfalls to navigate

The 1.0 EcoBoost perfectly illustrates the problem: this engine alone covers 17 distinct engine codes — from B7JB to SFJB — not all of which take the same gearbox. The same applies to the 1.6 TDCi, with 20 recorded codes (G8DA, GPDA, HHDA, T1DA, TZJA, UBJA…) spanning very different generations and models. Relying on engine capacity alone to identify the right part will consistently lead to errors: the engine code stamped on the block is the only reliable reference.

18 models covered, from the Transit to the Mustang

The range spans 1995 to 2025 and covers 18 Ford models. The Transit accounts for the largest share of demand, and understandably so: its diesel engines — 2.0 TDCi, 2.2 TDCi, 2.4 TDCi, 2.5 TDCi and 3.2 TDCi — generate significantly more requests for reconditioned gearboxes than passenger models, largely due to high mileages and heavy-load use. On these units, codes DRFA to DRFF (2.2 TDCi) or PHFA/PHFB (2.4 TDCi) determine the correct part just as much as power output or year of manufacture.

For passenger models — Fiesta, Focus, C-Max, Kuga, Mondeo — the challenge is different: the same generation of Focus or C-Max may be fitted with a 1.5 TDCi or a 1.6 TDCi with entirely unrelated engine codes (XVGA or XWCA on one side, T1DA or HHJA on the other), and therefore incompatible gearboxes. The 1.0 EcoBoost, meanwhile, is fitted to the Fiesta, B-Max and Ecosport across similar model years — again, engine codes must be verified before placing any order.

5- and 6-speed manuals: which family matches which engine?

The Ford range consists exclusively of manual gearboxes, in either 5- or 6-speed form — including the IB5 5-speed manual, specific to small-capacity petrol engines such as the 1.6 HWDA or the 1.8 Duratec. The IB5 is not interchangeable with a standard 5-speed gearbox, even at equivalent power output. On the Ranger, the 3.2 TDCi (SA2W, SA2X, SAFA) and the 2.2 TDCi require gearboxes sized for 4-wheel drive and high torque, with no commonality with those used in the Transit or Mondeo with similar engines. Exchange units are available across all these references; rebuilding the customer's own unit is also possible in certain cases.