While pulling my 8x20 enclosed trailer back home (#7000) loaded at 2500 rpm in drive every now and then the tranny would flutter twice. It didn't feel to be slipping, so I pulled over and checked the fluid. The level was a little high, but I figured that it was working hard it was just heated up. Also the fluid smelled fine and appeared to be a nice shinny redish pink just as normal. The truck has 67,000 miles on it with no mods, only straight piped. Tire size is 315/75r/16. I am leaning towards the torque converter, what do yall think?

 

Generally a shutter or flutter as you called it is from the converter. So I'd say your on the right track.

 

Does the dealer have to duplicate the problem or will they tear it down going off of my word? I still have warranty on the truck and would like to get it took care of before it runs out.

 

With something like that I'll be there gonna want to dup it, I'm thinkin it's goin got depend on how you come across and how good of a relationship you have now.

 

ART,
If it's dying....and the dealer can't duplicate it...I might consider taking it out and drive it VERY hard...so you know for sure. Either not what you thought or it will start to do it all the time!

But you still have miles left to see what happens.

RJ

 

Yeah I'm going to a 4-wheeler event this weekend and don't want to get stranded 2 hours away from the house. Do you think the wifes 4x4 Expedition would pull it, it has the 5.4?

 

Sounds like torque converter or direct drive clutch slipping, does it do it in 4th gear also? Check fluid and try pulling trailer again to see if it still does it. If it just started doing this, you're not going to wreck it any more by pulling with it again, it will just make it more noticeable for them to diagnose. Most times if you can't duplicate problem, and they can't find one, they'll just send you on your merry way.

You should leave trailer hooked on, and take service manager on a little twist, so he'll believe you that there is a problem.