okay finally got some sun... dropped the pan.. NO METAAL!!! (WHEW).. fluid is clean, dont really smell burnt.. filter is in place.. inside shift linkage(and outside) still in place and moving when the lever is moved inside.. idk? my thought are that for having 251000 its spotless inside

 

i put my finger on the filter and slightly pushed up.. it went about 1/2in and clicked, so it went up a total of about 3/4in... so good possibility that was the problem????

 

there is a retainer clip you can purchase to that filter doesnt drop. i will try to find the link but you might also try a search

 

Get a new filter. Pull the old one off and make sure the sealing ring comes off as well before you fit the new one.
Might as well drain the torque converter while you are at it and so have a complete fluid change. If you do that you will need around 17qts of new fluid.

 

searching.. all im finding is some guys talkin about it on here but noone states where to get it

 

thats what im lookin up now.. 65 for filter and new pan gasket from Napa

 

so.... think this was the problem??

 

With the filter not plugged fully up there is every chance that the pump was sucking a mixture of fluid and air so there is a good chance you have found the problem. However only death and taxes are certain in life.
I have seen the clip mentioned by kemical somewhere. I wonder if it was a Transgo or Banks product.

 

not sure.. ill do a little research, altho if it stays in place for another 100000 let it be lol

 

One other thing, when getting a new filter, if your truck is 4x4, make sure you get the one for the deep pan, if 4x2 then the one for the shallow pan. Most important.

 

for real? mine is 4x2 but its got a deep pan..

 

I agree could be the problem and probably is, stick a new on on drain and refill everything and retest it.

The filters, I found they fit rather tight at least in mine, see no need for the retainer.
One wouldn't take much to make if you have trouble finding one or take to long to get. Just a piece of flat stock bent to a offset one leg attached to a valve body or other suitable bolt, the other leg under and against the bottom of the filter supporting in place. Just not all that much to one, make it worth ordering/waiting/paying top dollar for just because of what it is/does imo.

And yea no trash in the pan is a very good sign.

 

ok $200 later, new filter, new fluid, and full.... still nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

check your third brake light bulb... for some odd reason the trans goes through that circut and if it goes out the E40d goes into limp home mode.. if that doesnt do your only out .50 for a new bulb..

 

lol actually someone told me that would make my cruise control work too and i just put one in about 3 weeks ago