Tranny shudder

[Catsup]

I've got '97 GT that's still stock except for K&N air cleaner and flowmasters (yeah I know but you gotta start somewhere!).
I've got a bad case of the shudders between 2 & 3rd unless I'm under heavy acceleration. Any ideas what would cause that?

 

[COramprat]

Depends on what kind of shutter...could be a tranny mount or a bad u-joint...or something else.

Give more detalis for us.

 

[Catsup]

It sounds (and feels) like when you drive over a rumble strip - you know, those rapid-fire bumps they put right before toll booths to get your attention. If I back off the gas a little it stops immediately and I can get right back on the gas with no shudder.

 

[COramprat]

So it is while it is in gear?

Jack it up and check the driveshaft. See if it has any play at the u-joint.

 

[QuickCapri83]

Too odd. It only does it in two gears, but will go away if you back off it and get back on the throttle? Sounds alot more like an engine/ignition problem. I had a few bad wires on my 83 capri and it caused the engine to vibrate so bad it would rattle your teath when driving it. I dunno clueless here.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

I've got '97 GT that's still stock except for K&N air cleaner and flowmasters (yeah I know but you gotta start somewhere!).
I've got a bad case of the shudders between 2 & 3rd unless I'm under heavy acceleration. Any ideas what would cause that?

This is a common problem with early 4R70W's. There's actually a Ford TSB on it (98-8-7). The problem is heat. When excessive heat is present, it creates a breakdown of the oil/friction material interface. The cure calls for the addition of an external transmission cooler to keep fluid temperatures down and the switch to the improved Mercron V transmission fluid.

This would be a good time for a torque converter flush and the addition of a new transmission filter while you're at it.