Need some help here guys.
My truck is an '04 F150 FX4 with the 5.4L. 140k miles.

Last week this whining/grinding noise started when I was going up the on-ramp to the interstate. It scared the heck outta me because it just sounded nasty. Almost like rocks in a blender type noise. It is coming from the front end.

It will do it when accelerating but will go away once O/D kicks in and I start cruising. Other than that it shifts just fine and everything.

I've searched and searched and found everything from IWE Solenoid, to torque converter, to water in vacuum lines, etc.

I took it to my mechanic today and he wants to drop the pan and check out the tranny. I'm really hoping I don't have to replace the tranny

What do you guys think? Any ideas?

 

Sounds like another piece of trash transmission to me. Unreliable junk.

 

you have one go out too powerranger262?

 

Have you check the IWE hub actuators ? sounds like you losing vacuums .

 

Yes ^^^^ Replace your IWE solenoid ...the sound your hearing is the IWE's tring to engauge due to a loss of Vacuum...if it's not your solenoid check your vacuum lines. and you may want to find a new Mechanic...

 

Did your mechanic go for a ride with you?

 

I doubt it...he told him the noise was coming from the front end...and he wants to drop the tranny pan ??

 

^ that's what I was thinking.

 

yes he did go for a ride with me guys. it makes the noise in D, 2, 1, and neutral. Also in 4x4 and 4x2. I heard if it was the IWE that is was supposed to go away when you switched it to 4x4 because it would engage then and stop trying to force it...

 

well, if you heard it in Neutral while at a complete stop...it's not your IWE system... you failed to mention that in your first post.