Yeah. On the original trans, downshift under 35 would drop trans into neutral, other than that it functioned fine. Torque converter shuttered a LOT up hills, like a good 200-300 rpm difference. Second transmission, just shifted like crap, and when they ripped it back out, they found the torque converter was making tons of little shreds of metal. Third transmission, that I have now, is still shimmying but not noticeable in RPMs. It'* not a constant up down up down up down that you could measure with a stop watch like the first TC. It'* more like you can see the radar detector on the windshield vibrating from it, but it'* not completely uniform. That'* why I'm wondering if it'* originating from motor, almost feels like one certain piston isn't firing properly. But I've done everything, tested coils, replaced plugs and wires, pcv valve, fuel filter, only thing I haven't done is the o2 valves. Have an LIM gasket, dogbone, and soon the complete UIM kit coming to take care of that end.

The clunking noise is getting to be louder, and it starting to happen with just accelerating/braking. I think I'm going to rip it back apart and pry on the ball joints with a big pry bar. I'm kind of hoping that Dog bone has something to do with it.

EDIT: TC was replaced thru every transmission under warranty. Used, ofcourse.

I've made a discovery! It leads me to believe that the clunk isn't caused by the transmission mount... unfortunately. Number one... as I've mentioned before, if you steer the wheel back and forth, you can hear a light clunk every time it goes from one side to another. Not sure if that'* related.

My most recent discovery kills the trans mount idea because... if I coast up hill in my driveway in neutral, and slow myself down with the brakes, but don't let them stop me to the point where the weight of the vehicle shifts backwards, then let myself roll down the hill and touch the brakes, theres a CLUNK. It'* pretty distinct. I can do it as many times as I'd like, and it still does it. It can't be the brakes... I just had them apart about a week ago to put some brake disc quiet on them and lubed them up. Only thing I found wrong is the pins needed a good lubing, but everything was solid. So what could it be? It does it occasionally when backing up in reverse, and now that I think of it, it probably does it for the same reason that I hit the brakes while in reverse, and it does it when I'm turning and applying throttle from time to time. Rough roads really don't amplify it.

I really wish I had an alignment lift. Then I could just set the vehicle down on the coasters and steer left and right and find the source of the noise.

My 96 olds LSS also has a shudder, not sure if it'* the same as yours. At about 45 mph, when the TC locks up. It feels similar to a manual transmission car that is shifted in too high of gear. Mine will only do it at about 45-50 mph and WITH the TC locked up. I can manually downshift, romp on the throttle for an automatic downshift, or ease up the throttle and accellerate gently to bypass the symptoms. Once the car is up to about 60 mph (1700 rpm) it goes away. I havn't worried about it since my driving habits dont usually give the conditions mentioned above. However, a coworker thinks my engine is running lean, which could cause the bucking. Ironic, I also have a PO171(Bank 1 lean) code that I cant get rid of. Good luck!

As far as the clunk- keep looking, you will find it. Sounds like its related to the torque action on the suspension. If your caliper pins are good and tight, maybe you have a lower control arm bushing or an upper strut bearing starting wear. When was the last time you lubed the ball joints? My first olds made all kinds of noise in the rear suspension, untill I lubed it. Good luck,
JJ

They couldn't seem to give my any information on where the trans came from/background on it. They said they got me a 'low mileage unit' for replacement. It'* clean looking... that'* about all I can say.

RPO tag:



Sorry... it took me a few mins to build the gumption to move the subs and box to get at the label lol.

Where'* the tag? lol. I've been looking for it (without a jack)... and haven't found nuttin but a junkyard stock number. Need a jack?