Tranny Issues?

[jm.ray91]

I have a 5r55e transmission. I am fixing to be leaving for washington state which is 1800 miles. It started developing what sounds like a chattering sound but sounds like it might be a rattle. It only makes that noise when its in drive it disappears around 60 mph. It definitely is coming from the tranny because i lifted my vehicle and put it thru all the gears and it only makes it in the drive gears. Has a real mild hesitation going from 3rd to 4th gear. Is it to much of a stretch to make it that far or is there something i could do to prolong the life of my tranny. Fluid is starting to go dark red. Doesnt smell burnt. I haved noticed there is torque converter shudder. Tranny has 183000 on it. Tranny has been well maintained fluid changed at every 30000 miles. Just never changed the filter.

 

[ccm2001]

Same issue here recently developed a chatter as well. Can hear it under the driver side

 

[dagom7]

Does the Explorer 2000 have a transmission vent hole to expell excess fluid/