Need advice from the pros.

[donaldbc]

Allright guys,

I have a 97 5.0 AWD with 89k on the odo.
When I am cruising from 35-55mph with overdrive on it feels like the tranny is "clunking". I can feel it on the floorboard and thats it. After 55 there is no noticeable problems or before the range of 35-55 no problems. If I lay into it cold or warm or from a standstill it doesn't slip or anything and acts completely normal. Acts the same way with overdrive off too.

The fluid is at normal levels and is clear.
AT 60k I had the fluid flushed and new filter.

What could it be?
I searched and searched and couldn't find anyone with similar problems.

Thanks
Brian

 

[410Fortune]

Stock tires and gears?

I would get under there and look for worn bushings in the suspension and also make sure the tranny mount/motor mounts is tight and in good shape........

 

[donaldbc]

31" tires and stock gears.

 

[410Fortune]

stock gears = 3.27, 3.55, 3.73 or 4.10

I suspect worn suspension, worn shock, etc.......

 

[Alec]

Also look at the exhaust, especially the cats and other components close to the tranny and tranny crossmember. Make sure the exhaust isn't vibrating and hitting anything. Also check to see if all the exhaust heatshields are secure.

 

[donaldbc]

I don't doubt you at all. But I would like to know why you think that. Just to get ideas going. Should I get under the truck and look at the bushing on the shocks? If they are worn should I replace with poly bushings. They are Monroe Reflex Shocks.
Thanks buddy

 

[410Fortune]

HA! Good advice Alec.........

 

[donaldbc]

A buddy of mine told me it sounded like my exhaust manifolds had a leak. Does this sound related.

 

[410Fortune]

Why? Because I have driven my Ford for 6+ years and worked on countless Explorer's.......thats why.

Your tranny is probably fine. When you siad you feel it on the floor baords, that sets off a light bulb in my head (and Alec's) that point to these things we mentioned......

I believe the pass side exhaust leak is VERY common on the 5.0L trucks.........

 

[donaldbc]

410,

I wasn't knocking you man or doubting you. I just wanted an explanation. I appreciate your knowledge thats why I come to you guys for help.
thanks 410 and Alec. I am going to check it now.

 

[410Fortune]

hahaha I knew that dude! No offence taken!

With text it is hard to dete4ct sarcasim/doubt/etc

 

[Fusion213]

Could it be the slip joint?

 

[donaldbc]

Well I banged around under the truck on the exhaust and couldn't find anything loose. What is the slip joint?

 

[V8-X]

Sounds similar to the issue I am having with my 99 X 5.0 AWD, but I get a bogging down/flat spot when this happens. The tranny sounds like a manual in to high of a gear (clunking type noise & vibration through the floor), but Ford can't seem to find the problem. They state it acts normal (which it does not). Wish I could give some ideas, but I'm lost. Keep us posted with your results, as I'm still trying to diagnose my problem which has occured for the last 6-7 months.

 

[MrShorty]

Could it be a problem with the torque converter clutch?

 

[Rhett]

Maybe it's the driveshaft/yoke. Maybe that's been mentioned but I thought I'd weigh in...