I took my 2004 4.7 back to the dealer for the same problem when I first got it. It isn't the clutch fan, it's the transmission. The fluid drains back down when parked overight or extended periods. When you put your automatic transmission in park, it shuts the converter pump off. They told me when I start it in the morning, to put the transmission in neutral for a minute. This starts the pump. I tried it, and it does make a difference. My neighbor has a full size Ram with a hemi. You should here his in the morning. When you change the tranny fluid on the new Dodge's you put the transmission in neutral when you start it after putting new fluid in. If you leave it in Park, then try to drive it, it will shift and slip very erratic until you sit with it in neutral to get the fluid pumped. Normal for a Dodge.

 

You should also have the tranny fluid and 2 filters changed as per scheduled maintenance. Chrysler traanites wil hold up if you treat them right.

 

Sounds like this is the likely culprit, thanks ricbrk. Do you happen to drive in town with overdrive off? I usually do, but for the last couple days have been leaving it on, and have not had this problem in the morning. Not sure if it is just coincidence or not. I also get this annoying "loose heat shield" type sound through a certain RPM for the first few minutes driving when the truck is cold as well. I just had the tranny fluid & filters changed a couple weeks ago. Thanks again.

 

I never really drive the truck with the OD off. and mine does this consistently. I'm coming up to 60k so it may be time to have the tranny service done anyway.