Well, the weak pump may be the culprit here. Good troubleshooting, folks. I think the sound is REPRESENTED by the speed of the torque converter BECAUSE of the weak pump.

I'd buy that. It'* obviously on the input-side of the trans. We know it'* not rev dependent in gear, nor is it speed dependent.

So look for anything in the trans WHILE IN DRIVE, before the output side.

Weak transmission pump...wilwren your explaination wraps it up in a nice little package! Thanks for the diagnosis help, everyone. Is this a do-it-yoursefable fix? I see no reference to it in my Chilton book.
-Corey

Corey, not really. It'* buried in there. You're talking at least a 1200 buckerooni job.

So how long do I have, doc? Is this something that I should deal with proactively or just let it slide until I start to have shifting problems?

Like I said cndodge...mines been making that noise for 2 years now....you should have that long if you dont abuse it too much. Although today...when i was "getting on it " a little from a standing start....the tranny slipped totally...not enough fluid pressure under load to hold it in gear :( as long as you baby it a little you'll be ok for awhile.

Help the flow a bit by dropping the pan and doing the filter.