2000 7.3 with 421k miles… shudder at 50-60mph when lightly pressing throttle

I’ve got a 2000 F-350 7.3 with 421,000 miles on it. When I’m coasting or really getting on the throttle, everything is fine. But when I’m lightly pressing the throttle at highway speeds (50-60 mph), it starts to shudder.

If I’m in a higher gear, it doesn’t happen. It’s only when it shifts and the load decreases.

Also, the rear end has a whining noise when coasting or slowing down. Going downhill, the noise gets louder as I pick up speed.

I’ve been told it could be motor or transmission mounts, unbalanced tires, or other things. Both rear tires are at 40 psi.

I’d appreciate any advice or suggestions on what to check or fix.

Could be your front calipers not releasing properly. Just a thought. I’ve got a ‘99 F-350 7.3 with 190k and have had to replace the calipers multiple times along with the brake lines.

Kyle said:
Could be your front calipers not releasing properly. Just a thought. I’ve got a ‘99 F-350 7.3 with 190k and have had to replace the calipers multiple times along with the brake lines.

I think the issue is coming from the rear of the truck, but with the amount of play in my steering, it’s hard to feel anything precisely. Also, the bushings in my shocks are completely worn out. Forgot to mention that.

@Sky
Makes sense. My truck would kind of jump when the rear wheels drove forward but the front brakes were slightly locking up, causing tension in the driveline. But if your rear end is whining, that could also be the culprit. They’re a known weak point and might need a rebuild. Mine went out at 175k and had to be rebuilt at a truck shop because it spent most of its life hauling heavy loads.

Could be the torque converter.

Harlem said:
Could be the torque converter.

What should I look for? The shifting is a little sluggish, but not enough to feel like a real problem—just slightly hesitant.

Sky said:

Harlem said:
Could be the torque converter.

What should I look for? The shifting is a little sluggish, but not enough to feel like a real problem—just slightly hesitant.

How many miles are on the transmission?

@Harlem
As far as I know, it’s the original transmission, so 421k, but I can’t be 100% sure.

Sky said:
@Harlem
As far as I know, it’s the original transmission, so 421k, but I can’t be 100% sure.

If that’s true, you’ve got to be the luckiest person with a 4R100. I’ve gone through four in the last 60k miles.

@Harlem
Yikes. Yeah, I’m not totally sure of its history. The guy I got it from said he got it off an older lady and used it for trash routes for a few years. I traded him a truck I had about $2k into, and you can tell this one’s seen some miles.

Sky said:
@Harlem
As far as I know, it’s the original transmission, so 421k, but I can’t be 100% sure.

You’ve got shudder or maybe worn mounts or bushings making it worse. I’d start by checking those.

@Harlem
What specifically should I check? I looked at the mounts but didn’t get a great look. Also, when I slow down and turn left, it makes a terrible noise. Other than that, no slop when changing gears from drive to reverse.

@Harlem
I just picked this truck up a few weeks ago.

Shudder usually points to the torque converter.

Sounds like a differential issue to me :man_shrugging:

Xen said:
Sounds like a differential issue to me :man_shrugging:

I haven’t checked the fluids or anything yet. I’ve been putting it off because I need to fix injector cups, shocks, and oil cooler gaskets first.

When I slow down and turn left, it makes a horrible noise too.

They’re solid trucks, but the 4R100 transmission is notoriously bad. Most of these trucks for sale are neglected and need ball joints, U-joints, tie rods, engine/transmission mounts, body mounts, and bushings replaced.

@Harlem
That’s what I’m learning :joy:. My steering has so much play I can turn it side to side before anything happens. And the bushings are gone, so the truck just bounces on the springs. I thought it might be related, but it really feels like the shudder is coming from the back.

If the transmission really has 421k miles, I’d set some money aside—it’s going to fail eventually.