Shudder
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2015
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Shudder
My 97 f250 7.3 auto had a weird shudder to it. It's kinda hard to explain, but I'll do my best. it does it mostly when your cruising along at low rpm's in over drive and when you go to accelerate the whole trucks shakes or shudders. it only does it until you get some more rpm's built up. But if you really romp on it enough to kick the passing gear in or kick over drive off it doesn't do it. I don't think it's in the engine, seems more of a transmission issue. maybe the torque converter? I hope the description made a little sense.
Senior User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 145
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, FL
That sounds like your torque converter starting to go. I wasn't aware of this issue with mine when I first bought it, as it wasnt that major (I figured it was driveline vibration). Then one day my TC stopped locking up altogether.
Check your fluid level. Whens the last time you did a proper fluid flush on it?
Check your fluid level. Whens the last time you did a proper fluid flush on it?
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 396
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I've had it 1 year this month and haven't done any transmission maintenance.mostly because the fluid is real clean. I do know the torque converter was replaced in 2003 by ford. the reciept is in the glove box.
Senior User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 145
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, FL
Did they install an inline filter with it? (check near front of engine, by trans cooler). Check the fluid level with the engine running, and see where the level is.
How does the torque converter lockup? Is it a harsh shift or smoothly engaged? Mine was very harsh, especially once properly warmed up.
My truck came with a rebuilt E4OD and ford torque converter, I am guessing it was installed around 10 years ago.
The Ford TC's are ****ing garbage. I bought a Diamond T torque converter (truck is on stock injectors <350 hp) and have been supremely happy with its smoothness and performance, and consistent behavior.
How does the torque converter lockup? Is it a harsh shift or smoothly engaged? Mine was very harsh, especially once properly warmed up.
My truck came with a rebuilt E4OD and ford torque converter, I am guessing it was installed around 10 years ago.
The Ford TC's are ****ing garbage. I bought a Diamond T torque converter (truck is on stock injectors <350 hp) and have been supremely happy with its smoothness and performance, and consistent behavior.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2015
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It has no in line filter. it locks up nice and smooth. The truck shifts great, only problem is like I stated. it shudders when your cruising along at low rpm's and try to accelerate with out kicking overdrive off or kicking in the passing gear. one you get some speed built up or rpm's it stops.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
Tapping the brake pedal just enough to activate the brakes lights, but not apply braking, also disengages the torque converter if it is locked.
Next time you are experiencing the shuddering condition, maybe tap the brake pedal and see if the shudder stops?
You seem to think this is a RPM specific issue and disengaging the TC will raise the RPMs...so my suggestion may not reveal what the real issue is.
Next time you are experiencing the shuddering condition, maybe tap the brake pedal and see if the shudder stops?
You seem to think this is a RPM specific issue and disengaging the TC will raise the RPMs...so my suggestion may not reveal what the real issue is.
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FOREIGN GURU
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,655
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From: Celaya, Gto. MX
Does your truck has a chip? maybe is the programming, my truck does some kind of shudder or shake when changes gears, no in the converter lock up, but the shudder changes with the different position of the chip, one time is softer and other is harder deppending of the position in the chip. 
But I really think its a TQ issue. IDK.
But I really think its a TQ issue. IDK.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2015
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It does have a ts 6 position chip on it. It's getting worse I think. Hard to say. but I'm just going to keep driving as is until it's get really noticeable. I really feel like it's a torque converter issue also.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
From: New Milford, CT
That sounds like more of a lug than a transmission issue to me.
OP, is it pretty much like you're driving a manual car up a big hill where you need to downshift and the entire car sort of starts to shake?
I've also read a lot about chips/tunes making old/worn out injectors more noticeable as they can't keep up with the fuel demand and the truck sort of starves for fuel.
OP, is it pretty much like you're driving a manual car up a big hill where you need to downshift and the entire car sort of starts to shake?
I've also read a lot about chips/tunes making old/worn out injectors more noticeable as they can't keep up with the fuel demand and the truck sort of starves for fuel.
New User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 6
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I had the same problem happen to me on a '96 f250 with a 6 position chip. in od with the tc locked up the truck would shudder and shake if throttle was applied. i also noticed that in reverse the truck wouldn't smoothly back up but kinda lug and miss a bit. the problem ended up being the UVCH on the left side, but i replaced both for the insurance. hope this helps
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