MT82 Transmission

Specifications

The MT82 transmission is a 6-speed rear-wheel-drive manual transmission engineered by Getrag and fitted to the 2011–2017 Ford Mustang (3.7L V6 and 5.0L V8) as well as the 2007 Land Rover Defender. It features a lightweight aluminum case with an integral bellhousing, a remote-mounted shifter design in the Mustang application, and a dry weight of approximately 123.5 lb. (56 kg). The transmission holds 2.7 quarts of Motorcraft Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid (XT-11-QDC), which helps improve cold-shift performance compared to traditional gear oil. Internally, it uses triple-cone synchronizers for 1st and 2nd gears, double-cone synchronizers for 3rd and 4th, and single-cone synchronizers for 5th and 6th, balancing smooth engagement with durability under higher torque loads. 

Gear ratios in the Mustang version typically include a 3.66:1 first gear and a 0.65:1 overdrive sixth, providing strong initial acceleration with relaxed highway cruising. The Motorcraft Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid XT-11-QDC used in the Getrag MT82 transmission is a low-viscosity synthetic fluid designed to improve cold-weather shift quality, reduce synchronizer wear, and provide consistent performance under high operating temperatures. While praised for its lightweight design and shift feel, some early Mustang units were known for high-RPM shift issues and synchronizer wear, leading to aftermarket upgrades and later factory revisions.  

Transmission Variants

MT82 (2011–2017)

The MT82 was the original 6-speed rear-wheel-drive manual transmission developed by Getrag for the Ford Motor Company and introduced in the Ford Mustang equipped with the 5.0L Coyote V8 and 3.7L Cyclone V6 engines. It features a lightweight aluminum case with an integral bellhousing, a remote-mounted shifter assembly, and a dry weight of approximately 123.5 lb (56 kg). The transmission uses triple-cone synchronizers for 1st and 2nd gears, double-cone for 3rd and 4th, and single-cone for 5th and 6th to balance shift smoothness and durability. Typical gear ratios include a 3.66:1 first gear and a 0.65:1 sixth gear, and it holds 2.7 quarts of Motorcraft XT-11-QDC fluid to enhance cold-shift performance and reduce wear.

MT82-D4 (2018–Present)

The MT82-D4 is the revised version introduced with the facelifted Ford Mustang, including GT and EcoBoost models. While maintaining a 6-speed configuration, it incorporates significant upgrades such as a twin-disc clutch, dual-mass flywheel, strengthened gearsets, and revised synchronizers to improve torque capacity and shift refinement. The “D4” designation refers to its direct 1.00:1 fourth gear ratio. Additional internal and calibration changes were made to handle the increased output of updated Coyote engines, delivering improved high-RPM shift performance and overall durability compared to the earlier MT82. 

Transit MT82

The Transit MT82 variant is a heavy-duty adaptation of the transmission designed for commercial applications such as the Ford Ranger and Ford Transit. Unlike the Mustang-focused versions, this model prioritizes durability, load capacity, and low-speed drivability. It features revised gear ratios suited for towing and hauling, robust synchronizers, and compatibility with high-torque diesel engines. The shifter configuration is typically conventional (direct-mounted rather than remote), and the internal components are optimized for long service life under demanding commercial use conditions. 

Frequently Asked Questions