Shudder when towing after TC locks

[2006KR]

Did some searching but couldn't find anything specific along these lines.

Since almost new (now have 32000 miles on the truck), I've had an intermittent shudder when towing my 5th wheel travel trailer. It only occurs AFTER the torque converter locks as verified by the tranny specialist at my dealership. There is a service bullitin about a similar situation (only they refer to pulling a gooseneck), and reprogrammed the transmission computer. It seemed to help somewhat, but I still get the shudders. It's not a constant shudder like you would get with the drive line not being level (had that too, and took care of it with shimming) ... feels more like you would get with a standard and the clutch was slipping. Dealer keeps saying all parameters are within tolerance - but how could they tell if a clutch / band was slipping - that is a mechanical problem, the electrical would be is the signal getting there to cause it to lock. The dealer did give me a 75000 drivetrain warranty as they have been aware of this since first reported at 5000 miles.

First, they blamed the trailer, but I popped that bubble when I told them it's done it 2 different trailers. Then they said it's the 5th hitch - installation has been reverified by the installer and it's solid.

Also, when the truck has sat overnight or even the 9 hours I'm at work, it will do the shudders for the first mile or so as soon as the converter lock - then you can tap the brakes to unlock the TC and the shudder stops. Course, the dealer can't verify that as even when it's been in overnight, it has not been that cool. Both the service manager and transmission teck have ridden with me while pulling the trailer and the both have felt and agree that it shudders, and the computer verifies that when the TC locks, that is the trigger for the shudders.

I honestly think it torque convert clutch is slipping, but they keep throwing back that all computer checks are right on the money. Any ideas on how one could 'force' the issue to change the TC. I can understand their hesitance as they cannot duplicate it (but I can).

Thanx in advance (and sorry for the long post).

[Heat]

Seems this one needs to get bumped....

Ken....

[Ramsmoker]

I feel your right on with the converter slipping. A clutch drum with a band will slip but i've never had one shudder. I have had a converter fail and it didn't last to long after the first detectable shudder. What color is the oil?

[2006KR]

Fluid is a nice bright red, and smells like transmission fluid should. Even did a transmission flush in a despirate hope that something would get better, but still not change. I'm probably back to hooking up the fiver and visiting the dealer again. One thing I have noticed is that now the shudder is becomming (to me anyway) more apparent even when not towing on the interstate at 65 and it starts up a gentle incline like going up an overpass. Maybe it will conk out and make it easy for them to diagnose.

[StarDriver]

I'd pretty much bet the converter is one it's way out, on Dodges they do that when they are going out, especially if the truck has been modded. I'd look into an aftermarket T/C, a double or triple loc up T/C built for modded truck, even if you truck isn't modded. it will help and it will save the trans and you may get better milage. If you pull trailers alot, I'd change it just to be safe.

[Ramsmoker]

The more I thought about it today, I'm sure the converter is heading south. If you could address it before it got like yours and mine would be cool but the damage early done early on you'll never notice. Something I have allways done was to drill the converter for a 1/4npt drain and switch to type "F" fluid. Get ridd of the fluid with the slip slide additives. Do this and get your program set to push the trans hard. There are some more valves that control converter squeese and flow but it's a trans mod.