Torque converter "SHUTTER" at lock up!

[01exp4x4]

Any one else notice a shuttering at lock up from the transmission?

I am told that the stock converter has the four studs welded on and that creates a warped clutch surface.

A new billet face clutch from Rev Max will eliminate that problem permanently...

Any thoughts?????

 

[KWT2000]

never heard of the warped service as most all automatics have 4 studs on the torque converter... as for the shutter on lockup is usually caused by low line pressure... this can be caused by a weak pump or dirty filter how long has it been since fluid change and filter change

 

[01exp4x4]

Good question.

I don't know.

I will perform one myself soon.

The torque converter shutter seems pretty common on higher mileage exp's

Several tranny shops have mentioned the problem...

The converter people say the front covers warp and that is why the use billet.

EXP has 4 bolts on the 4r100 converter and the power strokes have 6 bolts on the 4r100 converter.

Not such an issue with low torque levels like the 5.4, but as soon as you have a power stroke and 700+ fl lb of torque, billet cover is a must.

 

[joezek]

Mine just started with that shuttering last week. Each time it engages or disengages it feels like I'm going off the side of the highway and hitting the loud vibration strip.

At the same time the shuttering began, I also have an intermittent clattering that sounds like a cross between a tranny pump and a rod knock. I don't think it's a rod knock because it comes and goes (rod knocks don't go away). I've had a broken pump before in my Explorer and it was very similar but much louder (same speed/frequency though). It gets louder with higher load/rpm and then just totally disappears after it's warmed up.

Anyways, I've read others here with this shutter problem and it always goes away with a fluid change. Unfortunately for my 2003 they eliminated the torque converter drain plug. I'm guessing since mine has 141K miles and I recently bought it in horribly maintained condition that the fluid's never been changed.