Odd tranny sound in lower gears

[bluevolume]

I'm getting to know my new 2001 XLT, and after having it for a week I'm starting to notice a couple strange sounds. When taking off from a start, there is this "whirring" noise that comes from the transmission. It sounds a little bit like a jet engine spinning up. It isn't really loud, but its something I haven't heard in my previous Explorers. Anyone heard of this?

Also, a couple times after I've driven for a while, when I come to a stop there is a bad vibration sound coming from the engine somewhere. Its on-and-off, and goes away immediately if I touch the gas. It sounds to me like the engine is idling too low.

Any thoughts? I have the 4.0 SOHC.

Thanks,
Blue

 

[bluevolume]

Adding to my post -- the transmission noise stops immediately as soon as it shifts out of 1st gear (maybe 2nd, not exactly sure).

Maybe that info will help.

Thanks,
Blue