I have a 2001 F-150 with 110,000 miles on it. I recently moved to Arizona and used the truck to pull a trailer out here from the east coast. It didn't make any noise until just recently when the temp got around 115. Now the trans makes a loud howling noise when it's in first and second gear and turning out high rpms, but it goes away in third. It also goes away once it gets cooler outside (under 100-105). I was told by a friend that the noise meant the trans was going bad. I wanted to pull a trailer from California, but I'm worried I might screw up the trans permanently. Any ideas if this is normal or if the heat could be damaging the trans?

 

From a combination of experience over the years and several transmissions.
I think you are discribing fluid resonance as it is flowing in the valve body.
I had an 85 that howled from new.
Modified an AOD with a shift kit and will intermittantly howl at times but this has no effect on the trans operation that I could ever detect over the long term.
The higher temp could very well bring on certain operational changes on a random basis.
If you are going to live in that climate and have no cooler on the truck then it may be worthwhile to consider.
Back on the howl, I has been around lots of hydraulic operated equippment that howls when working for much the same reasons.
I hope to hear from others that may be able to elaborate more on this situation as is may have something to do with air, pressure regulation that causes some parts to sing when operated at a fast rate, lower fluid viscosity when the trmp rises, etc..

 

I would definitly invest in a good cooler, and do a fluid and filter change with a high quality fluid

 

Thanks for the help. I would like to know more about a trans cooler, like who makes the best and any info about installing one. Also, what kind of trans fluid should I use... I went to napa last month and had them add new fluid, but I'm not sure what they used.

 

Coolers are most often rated for Gross Combined Weight.
At least an 18000 GVW min. rating to make it worth while.
Any brand will be fine.
There are two types, a tube and fin, and a stack plate type.
Either will work fine. To split hairs, the stack plate type is the better one.
Fluid has to have a Mercon V rating. Can be standard, blend or synthetic.
No other "type" fluid.
Synthic will take the highest heat before break down.