+1....

 

I finally had time to drop the pan. Pan seemed about right for a truck with ~100K miles. Fluid not great but no burnt smell. Posting some pictures and looking for advice.
The pan and filter
http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...ps36fb0bef.jpg
The magnet in pan:
http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...psf4f44258.jpg
Some shots of the TB
http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...psa92ac247.jpg
http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...psf5e80b51.jpg
White paper towel with fluid
http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...psa583581a.jpg

Let me know what you think. THANKS!

 

Doesn't look bad.....

 

I thought it looked good also. Still plan on dropping the trans to change out torque converter. Will flush once all back in the truck. Hope this will work.

 

don't flush the trans. Bad plan. Can flush the lines and cooler, but, isolate them from the trans first.

 

I remove transmission from truck. The flex plate looks fine.
http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j387/beauhymel/P1070968_zpsb3524d7f.jpg
I do have some questions about the torque converter. After pulling the torque converter and inspecting, the inner hub is loose. It was moving (the knock?) enough to scare the edge of the hub.
http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j387/beauhymel/P1070970_zps1e62c4d5.jpg
Is this normal or have I found my problem. Could not find anything else that looked out of place with the transmission out of the truck. Let me know what you think. Thanks again. Let me know if more pictures are needed.

 

Inner hub rides on the shaft, which holds it in position. Some movement isn't unusual... but, the stock converters weren't the best when they were new... You can try replacing it... but, no promises it will solve your noise. Don't cheap out if you buy a new one. "Stock replacement" leaves it just as weak. Get a GOOD t/c.

 

Thinking about going this route:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330877840592...84.m1438.l2649

 

Nah. If you are going to spend that kind of money, check around the local trans shops, and see if you can't get a better deal, with some upgrades in the trans. (and a better torque converter....)

 

The shops around here want $1600 to $2400 with less warranty and no torque converter.