Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) transmission noise ??

[BAnsley]

buddy has a 97' 2500 5. 9 gas with a auto 4speed and in park never hear a peep and then put it any other gear in makes a clicking/swishing noise from the torque/front pump aera ?? I figure thrust bearings are shoot in the converter . Any ideas are greatly appreciated . Trans runs perfectly normal he says,and was replaced before he bought it??