I drove cross-country last week with a loaded up U-Haul trailer, between 4 and 5k lbs. Several times when I would be going up very steep hills and the trans would downshift under heavy throttle, before it would complete the shift there would be a couple of seconds where the truck would really noticably shake/shudder, then it would stop and we'd be back underway in the lower gear. It felt like it was coming from the back, and it was pretty scary. Does this sound familiar?

-- Jim

 

Jim,
I have a similar problem. With my first trip towing my boat (~3000 lbs) the same vibration happened while downshifting. It happens pretty bad at first, and then seems to lessen after about 3 downshifts. I had 3k miles for that first trip. Last week I towed again and the tranny did the same thing, although less frequently.

Maybe something is getting broken in?

I'm going to the dealer for my first oil change later next week, I'll inquire and post again.

Bob


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'01 SuperCrew XLT
4x2 5.4 tow package
White/charcoal

'94 586zp Stingray 19'
4.3L merc & alpha one

 

Thanks, please do let me know! Which dealer are you going to? (I'm going to Ken Grody in Buena Park - Orange County.)

-- J

 

I got my last couple of trucks from Galpin, in the valley. My '99 F150 hasn't had a problem yet, so I'm not sure how well they'll handle things. But I am hopeful.

btw,
my '99 has the 4.6 and it towed the same boat, on the same roads, without making the tranny noise.

-
Bob