I have a 99 F-250 (I call it a 99.25 because it has the late 99 engine but early 99 front axle) build date 2/99 with 132K on the clock.
It has a very noisy torque convertor and has since I bought it almost a year ago. After much searching at that time I came to the conclusion that it was normal for many of the 99's to make excessive noise from the torque convertor and I have since heard others that make the same noise.

So, I can't stand the noise and plan on replacing the TC. Before that, I am going to do a fluid flush to make sure there aren't really bad things going on, so I don't waste the money swapping out the TC. While doing that I am going to install a Sonnax shift improvement kit, as I figure it can't hurt.

Now, I noticed in another member's post that his transmission locks the TC up RIGHT after shifting into 3rd gear. Mine does the exact same thing and I really don't care for it. I was hopeful that swapping the TC may improve this condition, but I believe that to be wishful thinking.

I am curious if there is something wrong with my trannsmission or TC or both, or if this is a condition of the computer?

is the whole thing going to blow soon, or is there hope that it will last me at least another 20K? (I only put about 5K on a year)

 

Hope this helps.

 

well, my reasoning for doing the flush first was to make sure there were no signs that the TC is coming apart (some have indicated that the noise is what they heard right before it went south and took the tranny out). Figured a little extra fluid use wouldn't hurt

as for the Sonnax, in my experience, increasing line pressure and shift firmness only helps to increase transmission life

figured that would be the case on the TC lock-up. Planning on getting a tuner in the future anyways

which brings me to another question. Any reccomendations on an affordable TC that can stand a little more HP than stock? Not planning on much more than a basic tune with intake and exhuast (probably 100 or less HP increase). Since I am changing the TC anyways, would like to improve it. Don't feel like dropping a grand on a TC for a used tranny.

 

My early 99 also has the strange/annoying 3rd gear shift.
It feels like the tc locks right after the 3rd shift, and the truck falls on its face until I can build boost again. Really sucks when towing.

My tc was making a knocking noise so I replaced it with a Ford reman. and changed my fluid. I did find a small amount of what appeared to be clutch material in the pan, but just a small amount. I did not flush the trans.

After the tc install the truck was quiet (no more tc knock) and it shifted great. HOWEVER, that only lasted for a day.
The next day shortly after warmup the tc started making a grinding/scraping noise and the weird shift came back.

The noise goes away when I accelerate but is there in neutral and when the tc is unlocked.
I had to pull a TT to texas the next day so I crossed my fingers and hit the road.
Its been about 6 months since then and the tc still is making the same noise, and the 3rd shift is still screwy....
My chip didn't change the 3rd shift as far as tc lock, the shift is more firm, but it still falls on its face going into 3rd.
I changed the fluid once since the texas trip, and once again Im finding cluch material in the pan, and now the trans is starting to slip in 4th.

Im going to have the trans rebuilt as soon as my bank account recovers, so I'll continue to keep my fingers crossed for now.

From what I have learned from reading other threads is that my trans was on its way out and it took the new tc with it, (or vice versa)
If your flush reveals any sign of the trans coming apart, I would have it rebuilt before installing a new tc.
As for the 3rd shift....I guess I'll see how it shifts after the rebuild and go from there. If its the pcm like stated above, then I'll change that and have my chip re-burnt. I cant live with that 3rd shift.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

 

Franko,
I was hoping you would reply, as I had seen where you mentioned this lock-up issue as well.

I really can't see how the transmission could cause your TC to start making noise? I can see how trash from the TC coming apart could cause the transmission to get toasted as passageways get blocked and pressure gets reduced. I can also see how trash already in the tranny could cause the TC to not operate properly-flutter or not lock-up correctly.

I am going to do a complete flush on the tranny and check for any major signs of trouble. Just checking the fluid on the stick reveals no issues as the fluid is clean and has no burnt smell.

My "rattle" is present anytime the rpm's are below 900-1000, doesn't matter stopped, rolling, in gear, in neutral, whatever. Rev it above 900-1000 and it stops instantly. Like mentioned above, I did research a year ago and found this to not be uncommon on the 99's and I even read of several others whose had done this for 100K+ miles with no ill effect. I am hopeful this is the case with mine and the TC isn't coming apart. I have put over 5K on it with no changes (I know, I should have done the flush when I first bought it).

On my lock-up, when the tranny is cold, the lock-up comes after it reaches 4th gear and it works so nice. When warmed up, the lock-up happens right after hitting 3rd, and just as you mention, the truck nearly falls on its face. I absolutely hate this, as it makes the truck feel like a dog until the rpm's come back up and boost kicks in.

My thoughts were to fully flush everything (bought the truck used and have no idea of the service record) and see what it looks like before I drop the money on a TC. I have no slipping whatsoever at this point and I don't work the truck hard. In fact, I won't be towing much with it for a while as we sold our toyhauler with our new baby coming next month. Will get a TT in the next year or so.

So, what kind of tune do I need to reprogram the lock-up? Is there something that can be done just to the tranny without changing fuel? Just wondering.
Thanks,
Kyle

 

Kyle, first off congrats on new baby.
My old tc knocked for almost a year and never seemed to get any worse,or cause problems. I changed it because I was just annoyed by the sound.
The new one is now knocking also, and to be honest I really have no clue why. I have heard of bad trannys killing new tc's, and vice versa. Im not sure what happened to mine (the chicken or the egg) but Im going to wipe the slate clean and replace everything when funds permit and see where I sit.
Im sure Jody can change my programming to get rid of that 3rd tc lockup shift if need be. Or I will install a Transgo tugger kit, and/or a valve body to fix that prob.
As for the fluid, your right the dip stick wont tell you much, my fluid is still bright red and not a hint of a burnt smell. although I can feel the trans slipping horribly and the temp gauge reads 180-190 in town, when It used to be 130-140???
If I were in your shoes, I would prob change the fluid, back flush the cooler, add a transgo and a new tc. (but again Im no trans expert) Just what I would do. ( and make sure you dont have a pan full of crap like I did)
Im hoping someone with more experiance will chime in to give us both better advice.
As for the tuning question....I would do the other things first and see how it feels and shifts. if your still unhappy them maybe a custom chip will correct the issue.
My plans are currently.....(and they may change) to get a stock rebuild trans for now (less $$$) and doing a John wood VB while the trans is out and can be flipped upside down. I still have no Idea what tc to buy. I dont think I need a tripple disk bulletproof one, but I down want another wimpy stock one either.
Im not sure if I helped any, but at least you know you prob is not uncommon.
Make sure you keep us updated on what you find. As you'll prob have yours fixed before I get into mine.
Good luck,

 

Frank, thanks on the congrats. This will be our second little girl-oldest is 3 1/2.

I am curious if your noise is as I described and goes away with an increase in RPM's? Mine is a rattle and sounds like two heavy gauges of metal rattling on each other. I have used a stethoscope and it definitely seems to be coming from the TC.

Well, I am going to proceed slowly. I have the fluid bought and the new filter. I already ordered a Sonnax Shift Improvement Kit, so while I am in there, I will install that (was only $56 delivered) unless there is a ton of junk and in that case I will save it for a good tranny. I figure that if the tranny is still sound, increasing the line pressure and firming up the shifts won't hurt anything. This truck only has 132K, so I am hoping I can get more life out of the tranny.

I am going to pick up a TC, but am unsure which one (only if the tranny appears sound). I have seen a couple that are advertised to handle 200 hp over stock, without being the full tilt 1000 hp jobs, which I don't need.
My plans are pretty modest with this truck. It is a third vehicle that sees few miles a year. I use it for wood hauling and towing as well as a hunting rig.
It will be getting larger tires soon, once the budget allows. Tires are near the end of my current short list of mods-ball joints (done), step rails (being delivered today), new tailgate (currently painting it), new front springs (coming soon), new TC (coming soon, hopefully)
I will keep everyone informed as I go

anymore input or support would be appreciated
Kyle

 

Kyle, my original tc made a knocking sound that sounded alot like a rod knock, or if you were to knock on a 2x4 with your knuckle. I thought that it went away with rpm increase also, but when I passed a jersey wall it was more than present. I just couldn't hear it over the sound of the engine driving down the road otherwise.
Now the "new" tc has a much different sound, the knock is coming back, but at a "deeper sounding knock" if that makes any sense.
The other sound it has been making since "day 2" from the unstall is what I can best described as "If you were to lightly hold a piece of 60 grit sand paper to the smooth area of the tc while the truck idles" That sound goes away when the rpm's increase and /or the tc locks.....
Let me know what tc you find, as Im am looking also for a middle of the road tc.
Thanks

 

Frank,
Neither of the sounds you describe matches mine. Mine sounds like a thick skid plate rattling on the frame of the truck and it goes silent as soon as the rpm's get to around 900-1000, everytime. No scraping or knocking sounds, just this loud rattle. Rev it up and the truck is nice and quiet.
Something else worth mentioning, in the 1 year and 5K miles, there has been only one time the rattle is not present. When first starting the truck this past winter on really cold mornings (around 0 or below) the rattle would not be present until about 30 seconds after start up or slightly longer. I assume that the cold fluid is thick enough to silence the rattle?
I will let you know what I find for a TC. One problem I am running into is that most TC's that are rated for more than stock HP, also have a lower stall-not something I am interested in.
I believe the stock stall is around 2K?

your mention of the noise stopping with lock-up reminds me of something else I need to try, before swapping the TC. I was told last year to do the TC lock-up switch so I could lock it up and see of the noise goes away

 

Unless I misread, you have 132 on the clock. Not good to buy an aftermarket TC that costs more money. I would get the stock TC. Put any of those aftermarket TCs that cost big bucks and you will regret it. My Vette has a 700R4 and it is built. When that trans broke, I had to send the TC back to Precision Industries. They had to cut it apart, clean it, weld it back together and balance it again. Cost me about $400, IIRC.

As to the TC, I wouldn't get much above stock stall unless you know what you are doing or your truck is built up for that. Don't get one with a stall that isn't set up for you truck or you might not like it.

Maybe it is time for a BTS rebuild

 

oh, a nice built tranny would be nice, but as I mentioned, I have another little one on the way, so that isn't in the current budget plan.

as for the TC-what I am seeing is stock reman TC's cost ~250. HD Billet TC's are ~325 (of course these are not the high hp/torque models) on up to nearly $1500 (unlimited hp/torque rating). The lower cost ones are remanufactured.

Anyone have any reccomendations on good remaned TC's?

 

I thought a site sponsor either on this site or somewhere else gets about 200 for a stock TC? What is wrong with going for a stock one? It is cheaper to toss when the trans breaks.

 

anyone have a link for the sponsor TC?

nothing wrong with stock. So long as it wouldn't be the weak link if/when I put an intake, exhause, and tuner on the truck

 

PM sent to you

 

Rattling, knocking, grinding, scraping....something is wrong LOL.

My tc also was quiet at startup when it was cold outside. Your mentioning of it reminded me. (not many very cold mornings here in FL)

But I do remember that happening a few times