Hey guys, hoping i can get some help with this lovely pos i bought a year ago.
it is a 99exp eb 5.4 with 103K.
My trans has started shuddering only in 3rd gear. 1st, 2nd and od work great. I was told by a tranny shop that they have seen several of these trannys burn a spot in the 3rd gear band and that is what causes the shudder. i've read the posts on the tc shudder and was wondering if this could possibly be the same thing. I cam going to change the fluid/filter per the tech article on here and add the anti-shudder stuff from orileys.

one of the other things i am having a problem with is what seems like the rear end binding after getting off the highway. It feels like an old truck in 4low when you try to take off after being on the interstate awhile. after a few miles it seems to loosen up and drives fine. I've read about posi clutch probs on here and am guessing that might be it?

aside from the "dissaperaring odo" , the dreaded dead air mix door, a sunroof that went "pop" and quit working. a random p0304 code that can't be fixed and doors that are rusting out this thing has been a real...umm..pos. i'm really disappointed with this truck and hope i just got a lemon. I love the looks of it and the way it drives, just these mechanical gremlins are getting pricey for a used 15k vehicle.

Thanks for any help, buc

 

When do you get the 3rd gear shudder? While driving in 3rd, on the shift between 3 and 4? If your not sure, turn OD off and see if you still get shudder. You said you were going to change the fluid, well do that but hold off on adding the anti shudder. Sometimes just a fluid change will work, other times you need the anti-shudder. Try w/out first. Also be sure you use the correct fluid. If you have a 4R100 (E40D) use Mercon only, if you have a 4R70W you can use MerconV.

Rear Diff. Explain this more. When do you get the vibration? Going in a straight line or when turning? You probably should replace the rear diff fluid and add a bottle of friction modifier. This may fix you problem.

I to have a 99 w/ 5.4 and I love it. I only have 80k on mine, but its getting to the point that I am slowly going over the truck and doing all the maintenance items to bring it back to "new". You should also be doing the same thing.

The P0304 code is a misfire on cylinder #4. You might have a bad COP on this cylinder that you will need to replace. If you replace the COP, I strongly suggest you replace the boots and coil springs on the rest also. You can find boot and coil sets for around $30 for all eight on the net. Also, have you changed plugs yet? Might want to think about doing that at the same time if you have not done so.

Good luck with the truck, just give it a little TLC and it should take care of you.

 

The rear end bind happens after you drive for an extended period at interstate speeds. You come to a stop and it feels like the rear brakes are dragging. it does it turning or straight. Once you drive it a few miles the dragging goes away and it drives normally again. There is never any smell or abnormal heat from the rear end. The fluid was changed to full synth with gm posi add at 83K.

The plugs were changed 6k ago and i swapped coil packs between cylinders 3 and 4. The miss stays @ #4. I may try swapping injectors and see what that does.

I'm going to give the trans a shot this after noon. Hope it works. I am going to head out to the dealers tomorrow and look at getting rid of this thing. I really can't see throwing another 1K into this truck only to have more things fall apart. The truck had a full service @ 83K with all fluids changed to synth.

Thanks for the tips!