The 2009 Mustang offered two primary transmissions: a 5-speed manual Tremec TR-3650 and a 5-speed automatic 5R55S. The Shelby GT500, a high-performance variant, used a 6-speed manual Tremec TR-6060.
Overview of transmission options
The vast majority of 2009 Mustangs were equipped with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic, with the exact choice dependent on model and trim. A notable exception is the high-performance Shelby variant, which used a 6-speed manual.
- Tremec TR-3650 5-speed manual — commonly used on most non-Shelby Mustangs (including the V6 and GT). This is the standard manual option for everyday driving and enthusiasts who prefer a hands-on shift.
- Ford 5R55S 5-speed automatic — available as the automatic option on most non-Shelby Mustangs, offering traditional automatic shifting with modern electronic controls.
- Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual — used exclusively by the Shelby GT500 during the 2007–2009 period, providing a higher-performance, six-speed configuration.
In sum, buyers could choose between a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic on most 2009 Mustangs, while the Shelby GT500 came with a 6-speed manual for enhanced performance and driving feel.
Model-by-model breakdown
Here is a quick guide to which transmissions were typically paired with the major 2009 Mustang trims.
- Mustang V6 (base) — available with a 5-speed manual (TR-3650) or a 5-speed automatic (5R55S).
- Mustang GT — offered with both the 5-speed manual (TR-3650) and the 5-speed automatic (5R55S).
- Mustang Shelby GT500 — equipped with a 6-speed manual (TR-6060); no factory automatic option in 2009.
Motorists choosing between manual and automatic could weigh driving style and convenience, with manuals emphasizing engagement and automatics offering ease in city traffic.
Driving and maintenance notes
For those maintaining a 2009 Mustang, ensure regular fluid checks and follow Ford’s recommended service intervals for the Tremec TR-3650/TR-6060 and the 5R55S transmission families. Clutch wear on the TR-3650 and the TR-6060’s hydraulic/gear lubrication should be monitored, and automatic transmissions should have their fluid and filter serviced per the owner's manual to preserve shifting quality.
Summary
Summary: The 2009 Mustang lineup primarily used two 5-speed configurations—the manual Tremec TR-3650 and the automatic 5R55S—with the high-performance Shelby GT500 offering a 6-speed manual Tremec TR-6060. Model choice determined which gearbox you’d experience, balancing traditional driving involvement against automatic convenience.