Low RPM trans noise?

[JCleary]

I purchased a slightly used 2500 QC 4x4 305/555 with the six speed and 3. 73's about a week and a half ago. It has 11,000 miles (last 1000 mine) and I absolutely love it.



One thing I have noticed: When in any gear, 1st through 5th, the trans seems to growl/rattle if any less than about 1600-1700 rpms are used. Same with reverse. Almost like there's a rattle in there somehwere, but it clears up when revs build. Throttle position does not seem to matter, as long as you're on the throttle a bit.



Additionally, there's some noise present when the clutch is out at idle, but it disappears when the clutch pedal is pushed in.



I'm wondering if there's a problem with the pressure plate or clutch?



Or is this noise normal? I have only had one other car that did the same thing, an '86 Mustang 5. 0 with 100,000+ miles on it. Kept running fine, but it was annoying.

 

[Snow man]

. Id start with just checking all the fluid levels in the trans case,and rear end,since i never trust the prep mechanic to actually check them. Under 1600 with a load is kinda lugging it. Keep the rr's a touch over that number,the engines BSFC shows it to be most efficient around 2000RPM.

 

[JCleary]

I'm just talking about running around town, and accellerating from a stop, say second gear 'til 2k rpms, shift to third, growl, rev to 2k rpm, shift, growl, etc. Sixth doesn't seem to do it. I've never had more than 600lbs in the truck (including me)



Thanks for the reply

 

[Forrest Nearing]

it's normal, but try keeping the RPM's up higher...



Forrest

 

[macdaddy]

J Cleary

I Just picked up my 05 3500 4X4 6spd larmie drw on Saturday, traded in my 99 3500 4X4 with ATS trans and alot of other goodies are to much to list. This is my first six speed and I noticed the same thing the minute I took off and the truck had six miles on so I'm sure that is normal mine has the exact noise and symptoms that you describe 2200 min before each shift and it really minimizes the growl. Man I love this truck by the way I took it on a 450 mile drive on Sun and after 8 hours in the seat i got to tell you this is one remarkable veh I really love shifting I finally feel like I'm in a real truck.

 

[JCleary]

Congrats on your new truck.



Ever since the Cummins became available, I have wanted one with a manual trans. It can't be beat.



Way more fun to drive than my work truck with the 6. 0 PowerStroke and TorqShift trans. Work truck is faster, but it feels like any other truck.



The Dodge with the mighty Cummins feels much more substantial.

 

[gonzo2]

Theres a TSB out for your clutch rattle with the peddle out. TSB 06-001-03



It seems to be noise from the springs in the disc itself. If I remember correctly the general consensus was that no harm was being done by the rattle but I had the disc replaced out of annoyance. Still quiet a year later.