Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Transmission noise?

[guldam]

Since I'm home I moved this from the 911 board to here.



Towed boat from Napa, CA to Lake Berryessa. It's a bit of a climb on some very tight two lane roads, and I may have horsed it up the hills too much.



Boat is 22' x 8' on a single axle trailer and I doubt it weighs more than 5-6k total. Truck is 97 4x4 auto with 182k miles. Original transmission. Stock CA engine.



Truck was anemic (perhaps transmission was slipping slightly) climbing the hills, and transmission was making a strange grinding noise, while under load on the uphill, in what I think was third gear with overdrive off. Much of the time I'd put the transmission into 2nd, and a few times 1st to keep the rpms around 2k. The transmission did not make the sound in 1st or 2nd.



Pulled over and checked transmission fluid level, and it was fine. Color was ok I think, and was transparent. No burnt smell to the fluid.



I just rebuilt the Trailer brakes and I tested them before leaving. Jacked up the trailer and spun both wheels up to make sure brakes weren't dragging. No problems there.



We got to the lake and then I decided I didn't want to chance losing the transmission on retrieving the boat and getting stuck on that fairly steep ram. So we headed home. Kids were disappointed, as was I.



So, does it sound like I'm due for a transmission overhaul? I got this truck primarily for hauling the boat and now the wife is giving me a ration of &*&@#$.



I actually started writing this posting while at Lake Berryessa, pondering the chances of the transmission giving out on the way home. But I'm home and the boat is put away, and the truck is waiting for me to do something.



Update: Now that I think about it, I suppose that since the truck is drive-able that this should be moved to the second generation forum.



GulDam

 

[CBlack]

So, does it sound like I'm due for a transmission overhaul? I got this truck primarily for hauling the boat and now the wife is giving me a ration of &*&@#$.



GulDam

Can't help you with the transmission issue.



As far as the wife... all I've got to say is, I'm glad I'm not the only one. :-laf

 

[guldam]

Is there a chance that a simple band adjustment is all that is needed with my transmission noise?



I seem to recall one trip into some really steep hills a few weeks ago, where the truck was not loaded or towing, and I felt some slippage, and that noise in a lower gear. I thought at that time that maybe the tires were slipping, but now I'm thinking it was the transmission. The "grinding" sound I heard was less of a grinding but more of a clutch plate slip or throw out bearing chatter.



Hope to get an answer soon that isn't too expensive.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

I don't think there's any harm in checking band adjustment - partly because it will mean a filter and fluid change…if the filter is restricted you could get slippage if actuators can't load and lock properly. Then try some trans-medic or equiv. Also dropping the pan will reveal if surprises await (I hope they DON'T) I've heard of band 'pawl's' laying loose in the pan and yet the truck still shifts!!

 

[KYOUNG]

My money is on your Torque Converter going south, been there done that. Get it checked out. .