My 1998 Dodge Ram Van 1500 Trannsmission is disengaging when I drive down the highway at over 40 mph.

I will accelerate and suddenly I lose linkage to the engine and the engine will accelerate properly, but it is like it is in neutral for a short while and I coast along.

I check the transmission fluid and it seems normal.

Sometimes when this happens I hear a strange noise like a ratchet wrench spinning inside a pan of some sort.

Any advice on what to look for on this one?

I only have 22,500 miles so far.

I thought Chrysler trannies were more reliable than this!

See my Ram Van in my gallery!

http://tinyurl.com/z4nqa