I have a torque converter clutch shudder or vibration which occurs under light to moderate acceleration above (35 mph) while in 3rd or 4th gear or on 3-4/4-3 shifts. This issue occurs about every fifty miles. I’m told this condition may be more noticeable on higher mileage vehicles when the torque converter clutch engages or disengages on light to moderate acceleration (mine has 110,000).
I have changed the transmission fluid & filter. This is the first time the transmission has been serviced for I found the factory dip stick plug in the pan. Ford says changing the transmission fluid should reduce the the possibility of shudder/vibration but too no avail.
Also found a sticker on transmission pan that read:
“1998 4R70W EARLY CONCERN DEFIINTION
PRIRO TO REPAIR, See, TSB 97-17”.

1998 Ford F150
4.6L 110,000 miles
4R70W

 

What type of transmission fluid did you put back in? Did you also change the converter fluid?

 

I put five quarts of Mercon V and did not change the converter fluid.

 

There is a product that comes in a tube or container just for your shudder problem. Don't remember the name though. I used it in my Caravan when I had a shudder problem and it took care of it.

 

I would bet that the fluid in the torque converter is of the non-Merc V nature, and is your problem.

The whole tranny holds ~14qts, and just the pan is ~5 qts.

It may have been the first time the pan was dropped, but doesn't mean that the tranny wasnt flushed at some quicke lube place that put in plain jane atf.

I would try do a full tranny flush with a Mercon V rated fluid and see if that corrects the problem.

There is a nice write up in the Tech Article section for the Diy'er.

 

I agree with superrangerman2002.. First check the specks and see which fluid is correct for 1998, then have the whole trannie flushed, 13-14 qts. Unfortunately if the trans. was not serviced every 50k or so.. or the previous owner towed the Titanic without servicing the trannie it could be too late for the converter.. Lets hope for the best.. Also you can save a lot of converter heat and wear by leaving the truck out of overdrive driving in town at 45 mph or less.. This will keep the converter locked in 3rd, and without constantly slipping as it does in 4th at town speeds it can last the life of the truck... My buddys 1991 Town car was just sold with 240K on the original engine and trannie, never had the heads off..still running fine though it was using about a quart of 10/30 every 1000 miles.. good old 4.6 valve seals...

 

I did a complete thirteen quart flush with Mercon V and it solved the problem.
Thanks to all that replied.

 

Glad to hear it .. Don't forget to stay out of overdrive in town and save that Converter..

 

Glad to hear that it was a simple and cheap fix!