01 7.3 Excursion Transmission Problem

[hoosiercanuck]

Guys First post here. Read the threads for a while but finally got registered. Having some tranny problems with my 2001 Excursion with the 7.3L Diesel. Transmission is slipping occasionally in first (takes it a few seconds to engage.) Sometimes in reverse it's making noise and when slowing down in first - just before it comes to a stop it sounds like it's grinding. I had the fluid changed and flushed in it approx 1000 miles ago at my mechanics shop. Any thoughts. Truck has approx 135,000 miles on it. I've owned it for a year with no problems whatsoever. This just started approx 10 days ago. Also - in first gear there is a high pitched whining - not super loud but wasn't there before. Trying to figure if it's getting ready to give up the ghost or what... Any help would be appreciated. Also - I am in the Indianapolis area - any recommendations on a good transmission shop for a correct diagnosis?