Factory Tech Question - 1998 E40D

JSCOTT · #1 04-05-2003, 03:31 PM

Factory Tech... I respect your knowledge on these trannys and wanted to get your opinion on something and recommended next steps.

I have a 98 F-150 4X2 w/ the 5.4, E40D, and TTow pkg. The truck has 69K on it and has recently started "shuddering" when shifting into overdrive. It does very little towing, and I do not race, etc. It only does this if there is a higher load on it. For example, if I am accelerating and let the engine rev up to 3000 rpm before it shifts into overdrive, then it will feel like it has trouble "grabbing" the next gear. It does not make any noises, nor does the engine rev like it is slipping.

I changed the factory fluid and filter at 30k to Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF and a Motorcraft filter. I did drain the converter as well. The original fluid looked and smelled fine and it did not have abnormally high sludge or shavings in it. The current fluid also looks/smells good. I realize the truck now has about 40K on this fluid, but I thought the synthetic fluid would last longer. My owners manual doesn't even list a change interval for this transmission.

What to do next? My extended warr. runs out on 4-13. If I take it to the dealer, I have a feeling they will just tell me it needs a fluid change. If you feel the fluid could be causing this problem, then I will change it. However, if it is likely not the fluid, then I don't want to dump out $120 worth of fluid.

Thanks in advance,
Jim

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Richard D · #2 04-07-2003, 12:38 PM

Jim I am not positive on this but I believe the trans. fluid is supose to be changed every 30k regardless of type (synthetic vs. regular). I know that is what I have always done on all my vehicles regardless of what type of fluid I have run. I myself don't think the fluid is the problem you may also want to look at the U-joints they can casue the type of shuddering you describe and will only di it under certain load conditions. Just something to check before making any drastic trans. fixes. You may also want to do a tranny flush and fill before anything else as well.

Just my 2 cents keep us informed.

Richard D.

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