BD TapShifter: Ford 5R110 & Allison 1000—Tow With Control

By Ben Dow
3 min read
BD TapShifter: Ford 5R110 & Allison 1000—Tow With Control

BD TapShifter: Manual Gear & Lock-Up Control for Tow, Street & Work

Add fingertip control to your automatic—hold the gear you want on grades, downshift with confidence, and command converter lock-up when it matters. Below is a practical guide to BD’s TapShifter lineup for Ford 5R110 (6.0L/6.4L) and GM Allison 1000 (LB7/LLY), with real install notes and use-case tips.

Quick Summary: Factory-style shift lever with +/- buttons • Limits upshifts and cleans up downshifts • Mini gear display (5R110 kits) • Lock-up control (4th/5th on 5R110) for towing and dyno • Plug-and-play harnessing • Pairs great with BD exhaust brakes.

Jump to: 6.4L Power Stroke (5R110) • 6.0L Power Stroke (5R110 + Exhaust Brake) • Duramax LB7/LLY (Allison 1000) • Compare Kits • FAQ

Ford 6.4L Power Stroke (5R110) — TapShifter

Shop: 6.4L TapShifter

  • Access all 5 gears with a tap; reduce “gear hunting” in town or while towing.
  • Lock-up control in 4th & 5th for better grade holding and dyno testing.
  • Overdrive on/off control to keep RPM in the sweet spot on hills and curvy roads.
  • Includes new Ford OE 6.7L-style shift lever and dimmable mini gear display.
  • Plug-in harnessing; works great on stock trucks and with BD engine retarders.

Install time: ~1 hr 30 min • Warranty: 12 mo / 24,000 mi
Notes: Compatible with popular OBD displays (SCT, EDGE, etc.). Disconnect the TapShifter OBD lead when flash programming ECM/TCM.

Ford 6.0L Power Stroke (5R110) — TapShifter + Built-In Exhaust Brake Control

Shop: 6.0L TapShifter + Exhaust Brake Control

  • Tap to select/hold gears; full manual control for pass, pull, and hill work.
  • Integrated electronic exhaust brake control (uses factory VGT) — up to ~70 psi backpressure for stronger decel.
  • New OE-style lever with +/- selector and a compact gear display.
  • Pre-made harnesses; excellent pairing with BD’s VVB or turbo-brake logic.

Install time: ~2 hrs • Warranty: 12 mo / 24,000 mi
Notes: Fits F-Series Super Duty pickups (not Excursion). Lock-out OD on climbs for cleaner temp control and throttle response.

GM Duramax LB7/LLY (Allison 1000, 2001–2005) — TapShifter

Shop: Allison TapShifter (’01–’05)

  • Modern fingertip Tap Shifting for passing, hill climbs, and quick gear changes.
  • Pairs great with BD exhaust brakes for confident downhill control.
  • Includes ergonomically pre-bent shift lever, control module, and plug-in harness.
  • Clean install with factory-style connections; OD disable indicator (’01–’02 kits include LED).

Install time: ~1 hr • Warranty: 12 mo / 24,000 mi

Which TapShifter Fits Your Truck?

Kit Platform / Years Highlights Install Time Warranty
5R110 — 6.4L Ford F-250/350 6.4L (2008–2010) Tap +/- • OD control • Lock-up in 4th/5th • Mini gear display ~1h 30m 12 mo / 24k mi
5R110 — 6.0L Ford F-Series 6.0L (2003–2007) Tap +/- + Exhaust brake control (uses VGT) • Mini display ~2h 12 mo / 24k mi
Allison 1000 Chevy/GMC LB7–LLY (2001–2005) Tap +/- retrofit • Pre-bent lever • Plug-in harness ~1h 12 mo / 24k mi

Need something else? Browse all TapShifter kits and accessories: TapShifter Collection.

Real-World How-To: Make the Most of TapShifter

  • Mountain towing: Lock out OD and select a lower gear before the grade starts; use lock-up control (5R110) to keep temps in check.
  • Curvy backroads: Limit the top gear to prevent hunting; throttle response sharpens because you’re in the right ratio.
  • Dyno or racing: Manual upshifts let you hold power where it counts; lock-up control improves repeatability.
  • Pair with braking: 6.0L kit’s integrated VGT brake control adds serious downhill confidence; Allison/6.4L pair great with BD exhaust brakes.

FAQ

Do I need tuning?
No. These are designed to integrate with factory control modules using plug-in harnessing.

Will TapShifter hurt my transmission?
Used correctly, it reduces heat and hunting by keeping the gearbox where it belongs. Always monitor temps when towing heavy.

What about converter lock-up control?
On 5R110 kits, lock-up is available in 4th/5th. It’s ideal for grade holding and dyno consistency.

Anything to watch during tuning/flash?
Disconnect the TapShifter OBD lead before ECM/TCM programming to avoid conflicts (6.4L kit note).

Ready to take control?
• Ford 6.4L (5R110) TapShifter • Ford 6.0L (5R110) TapShifter + Exhaust Brake • Allison 1000 (’01–’05) TapShifter
Browse all TapShifter options: TapShifter Collection.

TapShifter 5R110 Allison 1000 Tow & Grade Control Converter Lock-Up Exhaust Brake