How much transmission fluid does a 1987 Ford F150 hold?
The typical 1987 Ford F-150 with the common C6 automatic transmission holds about 13–15 quarts of transmission fluid when full.
Transmission options in the 1987 Ford F-150
The 1987 model year offered both automatic and manual transmissions, with the C6 automatic being the most common. Capacity varies by transmission type and whether you’re draining only the pan or performing a full system flush.
Identifying your transmission
To determine which transmission you have, consult the vehicle’s owner manual or service manual, check the under-hood tag, or inspect the transmission code near the oil pan. Most 1987 F-150s use the Ford C6 automatic, while some configurations used manual transmissions such as the NP435/T-18 family.
Automatic transmissions — The C6 automatic (the most common in 1987 F-150s) has a total capacity of roughly 13–15 quarts when filled to the correct level, including the torque converter and cooler lines. A pan-drain-and-refill typically moves about 7–9 quarts of fluid, depending on the exact pan size and whether a new filter is installed.
Automatic variants — Some 1987 F-150s used the smaller C4 automatic in certain configurations, which has a lower total capacity, around 9–10 quarts.
Manual transmissions — If your truck uses a manual transmission such as the NP435/T-18 family, the fluid capacity is significantly less, typically around 4–6 quarts depending on the exact model and gearset.
Note: Exact capacity varies by transmission variant, drivetrain configuration, engine, and whether you are counting full system capacity or only pan capacity. Always refer to the specific service manual or VIN-specific spec sheet for your truck.
Checking and refilling your transmission
To ensure you don’t overfill or underfill, follow these steps for checking and refilling the transmission fluid in a 1987 F-150. The process differs between automatic and manual transmissions, so confirm the correct procedure for your setup.
- Warm up the engine and park on a level surface. For automatics, shift through all gears and return to Park, then set the parking brake.
- Check the transmission dipstick when the transmission is warm. For automatics, pull the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert, and pull again to read a hot level; for manuals, follow the manual’s procedure.
- If you’re doing a pan drain/refill, drain the pan completely, replace the filter (automatic), and reseal the pan with a new gasket.
- Refill with the correct fluid type and the total capacity for your transmission, typically in small increments. Recheck the level after the engine has warmed up and the transmission has cycled through gears.
- Run the vehicle through the gears, top off if needed, and inspect for leaks at seals and the pan.
When performing fills, avoid overfilling, which can cause foaming and shifting issues. If you’re unsure, consult the shop manual or a reputable aftermarket source with VIN-specific data to confirm the right capacity for your exact truck.
Summary
In short, a 1987 Ford F-150 with the common C6 automatic holds roughly 13–15 quarts of transmission fluid when fully filled. If your truck is fitted with a manual transmission, expect around 4–6 quarts. Capacities vary by configuration, so always verify with the VIN-specific manual or dealer data, especially if your drivetrain differs (4x4, engine option, or nonstandard transmission). Regular checks and proper service help keep the transmission shifting smoothly for years to come.
