I've got an 2001 f150 with 5.4 and 4x4 ORP. Lately when i've been driving to and from work, there is a couple of hills i encounter. When climbing the hills now at around 55 my trans doesn't downshift to 3rd, but the torque converter must unlock. It never used to do this before and it seems like its gradually getting worse.

I pull a 5,000 pound boat with my truck also. I think it pulls it great if you stay around 70 mph. Otherwise the damn torque converter wants to lockup unlock over the slightest bump. Its actually very annoying. I usually drive out of overdrive around town. When i get on the expressway is when i leave it on.

I sure hope they fixed this in the 04 F-150's. Its annoying pulling something, even an empty trailer makes it act silly. I'm trading up to an 04 f250 psd its on order. I'm just curious as to why it would do that.

As for the clunk from 3-2 its been doing since i've had it started around 3k. I had it in for service to get something changed in the trans but other then that its been a tough truck and i love it. I've got 55k on it.

any ideas?
mike