The trans in my 01 SC 2wd 5.4 L F150 has had a whining like noise in 1st gear, even when not accelerating. Several months ago I questioned the the service manager who rode with me to listen to a mild , 45mph rear end whine (they did eventually replace the ring&pinion gears, bearings,etc.) but he said that the 1st gear whining, whirring sound was normal. There is 17 k miles on the truck now and the trans noise seems a trifle louder. Today I took a short parking lot ride in a 97 f250 , 5.4L, 4wd, and I heard no trans noise in 1st,,so I am unhappy again. I don't know if the 97 f250 has the same trans, but I would like some feedback from members here about how common this noise is and how hard I ought to push to get it eliminated. Thanks.........

 

I'm afraid to admit it but it's normal. My 2000 4.6 auto 4R70W did it and so does my 2001 5.4 auto 4R70W. Actually I think it's kinda cool to listen to, much like the firm shift are cool to feel.

 

Y2K Offroad : Thanks for your input . I'm posting another tranny concern today under auto.-trans whine, part 2

 

whine, part 2 is here : ..... There is also a whine which is faint. It can be heard up to 50 -60 mph but easier heard 35 - 45 mph , always with the windows closed. It seems to sound more when coasting or on very slight pull, probably cause the exhaust sound is quiter then. Because the whine disappears 1 or 2 couple seconds after I shift into neutral at a 40- 45mph coast, I think the whine is coming from the trans and NOT the rear-end. What do you think ???? It's an 01,,SC,f150,5.4L ,4R70w TRANS, 2WD,,17+ K MILES, 3.55 REAR,, original p255 /70r16 stock tires. Could that sound be a "normal" ?