broken wires in the steering column? So take the dash apart probably to get that all apart?

 

Button is on the end of the shifter ****, right?

Grab a service manual for your truck from here, if you don't already have one. Wiring diagrams are in section 8W. (I think in the trans control sub-section.) That will tell you what color wires, and where the connector for them is. Once you find the connector, unplug it, start the truck, and short the two pins together for a second. See if O/D Off lite comes on. If it does, problem is on the other side of the equation.... Unfortunately, I think that means replacing the shift lever...... not sure you can change JUST the switch.

 

Yep, I’ll look into it. Thanks

 

the tranny mount is original so it’s just rubber. And it is sagging forsure. Not terrible, should I get a new poly tranny mount and replace that? Think that could be it?

 

A sagging trans mount will change driveline angles so it could cause your symptoms. In truth the total change in degrees is pretty minor, but if the rubber is REALLY dilapidated you could have metal on metal within the mount.

If you know the mount is tired I would change it not so much expecting it to cure the problem but to assure you're starting close to baseline. I mean you can't tell if someone maybe has genetically high blood pressure if they also smoke a pack a day and eat junk food non-stop.

I would NOT do poly ANYTHING until after you've solved this. OEMs use rubber because of its favorable NVH characteristics. If you add poly bushings anywhere you're only muddying the water.

 

ok so new rubber trans mount. It’s like $40. Not a bad thing to do even if it doesn’t cure the problem. I just really want to get this fixed. But guessing and guessing on the problem is very hard cause I can’t tell exactly where the sound is coming from. Only way to get it to make the noise is on the open road at 60mph and at that speed it’s so hard to tell exactly where noise is coming from. The pickup doesn’t make the noise when it’s up on blocks in the shop. Runs and sounds smooth.

 

What do you guys think about it being loose bands in the transmission? Could that be something causing the shuddering?

 

What type of shape are your tires on the truck? Are they very old? Any dry rot in the sidewalls? Out of balance or worn out tires can cause issues.

 

brand new ones on front, back ones are older but decent.

 

Torque converter can cause a shudder but there's usually no noise associated, aside from the obvious of other things rattling or shaking because of the shudder. Some transmissions are more susceptible than others. I'm not aware of the 46RE being a known candidate for torque converter shudder.

Loose bands usually just slip.