Hi, I have read a lot of different things about this problem. I have a 1997 F150 4x4 4.6 Auto w/ 114,000. I had a problem with a slight shudder about 10,000 miles ago and I changed fluid all 15 quarts draining the TC and at the same time changed all plugs to Bosch Plat and Autolight Premium wires. Shudder went away know started again seemed like when engine got wet so changed out all the wires again made sure run out of way and dielectric grease on all boots. It seemed to be ok for 3,000 miles and now is getting worse. I am having a hard time believing that is TC shudder but I added Dr. Tranny Shudder fix just to try I may have been crazy but I though it made a difference but know it is worse and after it rained tonight with moisture in the air it seemed even worse should I be replacing the coils. Any help is appreciated.

 

Get rid of the Bosch plugs and install either Motorcraft fine-wires or Autolite double plats.

I doubt it's your coils, but, hey, it's your money.

Steve

 

Steve,

Thanks for the reply the only problem that I have is that it was doing it prior to replacing the plugs do you think the Bosch are that bad. I already have new Autolite professional series wires on that are probably 3 weeks old. Keep the wires and try new plugs sound good?

Pat

 

Yes, keep the wires, change plugs. For whatever reason, these trucks are very paticular about the type of plugs used in them.

 

Might it possibly be a torque converter that is having problems? Had that happen on a '94.

 

Yes, it could be.

However, TC shudder is very difficult to differentiate from a low-grade misfire without the proper diagnostic equipment.

The Bosches have been the subject of numerous discussions for this exact issue. It makes perfect sense to get rid of a component that has this type of association. A couple of owners have reported good results but they are a distinct minority.

I have no concerns about the Autolite plug wires, just the plugs in use.

Since the OP has done most of the common stuff possible for the transmission except replacing it, it makes sense that the TC probably wasn't the problem in the first place.

Steve

 

Well,

I took out the Bosch and they looked like crap know that I look at the tips I can't believe I was talked into these in the first place. I used the Autolite Double Platiniums. Drove for only about 20 miles but seemed to be a lot better. I have read a few posts about people replacing the coil packs with performance ones and getting 1.5MPG better and increased power. Does anyone have an opinion on this I bought regular replacement Coils from Advance Auto just incase it was the coils I did not install them I still have the original Mopar. Should I swithch them out. Just looking for some opinions. Thanks again.

 

Regarding plugs, is there a difference between the autolite plats and the double plats? reason being is I used the plats on my 97 4.6 and they seem to work okay but if they are crap compared to the double plats, i'll switch them- Regarding shutter, I had a prob with od giving a slight shutter and also it would happen in lower speeds(30-40) if I would try to maintain a steady speed. I had just done a tune-up so I was pretty sure it wasn't the 8th plug syndrome. I put in a tci trans scat valve body kit and w/ dirty dog's guidance on my od, My tranny shifts hard and there is NO shutter. Hope this might help!

 

By theway, i'm not saying this is what you need to do or this is some kind of cure-all for shuttering trannys, just that with 144k miles on the original tranny, this was my problem and this worked fantastic for me- I also got a hypertech programmer which REALLY woke up the performance but one of the options on it would let you firm up the shifts which isn't recomended if you have an aftermarket shift kit so I didn't opt for it. A buddy of mine has an 04 f150 who did use the shift firm option on his truck though and he said it really tightened up the shifts for him. Good luck on your truck!