Guys,

I have spent a few days reading about this and still have a few concerns. I have noticed a "whiiiiine" slash "wheeeorr" noise that comes when my automatic is shifting from 1st to 2nd. I have a superchips which made this shift a bit squishy and it occurs usually at city driving between 1800-2200 RPMs. It only happens shifting from 1-2, no other gear changes. It seems to kind of go away after I drive the 10 or so miles to work / when it seems to warm up a bit. Also, if I don't 'granny-pedal' it through the gear change it doesn't happen either.

I am wondering if it may just be the sudden colder weather in Ohio (high 50s to 60 degrees this week). Only thing is I did not have this issue last winter, but I did not have the Superchips either.

I had a trans flush/filter change done about a year ago, and they put in that Valvoline Max Life trans fluid which they argued me saying it was compatible with ATF+4. I also serviced my differentials about 9 months ago and added friction modifier for the stock LSD (no metal shavings at all). At that time I changed the transfer case fluid with ATF+4 as well. So I feel I have all my servicing covered. Truck has 48k miles, 2004, 5.7 liter, 4x4, 3.92 rear with stock posi.

I checked the rear diffy fluid level a couple weeks ago and it was good. I guess tonight I should double check the front and the trans fluid level as well as the power steering. I don't believe it would be a power steering issue as it only happens during shifting.

Any ideas? I am concerned because I am driving ~100 miles to the airport soon, then leaving town for 1.5 weeks. Then driving ~130 miles to another airport and leaving town for another week. So shop time must wait till after the trips. Is it safe to drive on hwy to the airports in the coming weeks? Could it just be the weather.

Thanks guys.

 

Ok, went home last night and checked all fluids. Oil and Transmission were both great in color and at appropriate levels. I got under the truck and checked the transfer case, no evidence of leaking. Checked the front differential, was up to about a 1/2 inch below the hole. Checked the rear differential, was up to about a 1/2 inch below the hole. The rear diff fluid was a little "foamy" is the best way to describe it, is this normal? So I could really not find any blatant things wrong with the truck.

I took my Superchips and went back to stock. This got rid of the squishy shifts that I thought might be part the culprit. I drove it around for about 5 minutes, stopping and going so it would shift form 1 to 2. I never heard it once. Then on my way to work this morning, after about 10 minutes of driving I heard it start happening even with the firmer shift now on stock setting.

Anyone, any ideas? Something with when it warms up after being cool? Buy new gears and locker and avoid the fee to dig in the pumpkins for no reason? Is it the transmission and I should be doing something major? Could it be as simple as a U-Joint or pinion bearing?

Jump ship and buy a CTD or Powerstroke?

Regards