New to the site, I appreciate the add and hope someone can help me out. I bought a 1995 Ford F150 4X4 XLT for $1,000, They said they heard a pop when slowing down and it started to feel like it was slipping. When I drove the truck off it went into reverse just fine, but when I put it in drive it took a second for it to go it to gear and made a horrible popping and grinding noise for about 2 seconds, sounded like gears grinding or metal grinding. this only happens when put in drive, not reverse. We thought the noise might have been in the transfer case but everything looked good inside of it. It shifts extremely hard into drive and reverse. I was thinking maybe the torque converter was going bad but not sure. Has any one else heard anything like this or have any insight, transmission is pulled at the moment.

 

Check the fluid level and color, should be light red and not smell burnt. Low fluid can cause odd noises and hard shifts. If there isnt enough fluid then the drums will slip trying to engage, so dont drive it like that to much or you will further do damage to it. If the fluid smells burnt and is dark in color you will need to take it to a transmission mechanic and have them look further unless you have the tool and the know how to do it.

 

If the trans is already out, drop it off at a rebuilder.