2000 XLT Transmission problem

I have a 2000 5.0 AWD with the 4R70W trans and 114K miles. Just recently the transmission has developed a slight shudder after the 3-4 shift while going into lockup. It seems to occur after the trans has warmed up a bit. I change the trans fluid and filter about every 20k miles (dump and fill). With all the common issues these Explorers seem to have, I was wondering if anyone has run into this before and what was done to fix the problem. I'm hoping for a simple fix and not be on track for a transmission rebuild. Thanks.

I've heard good things about Lucas available at most auto parts stores and I know Advance has it. Not that expensive and I'd give it a try. http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=29&catid=9&loc=show

I've heard good things about Lucas available at most auto parts stores and I know Advance has it. Not that expensive and I'd give it a try. http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=29&catid=9&loc=show

Changing the tranny fluid every 20K miles is big time overkill and a needless expense. Unless you tow a heavy load or have a good reason for frequent fluid changes every 50K mi should do fine. The newer Mercon V is half synthetic much better than the old Mercon. Pull your dip stick and smell it for a burnt smell indicates your clutches might be slipping and overheating the tranny. Wipe some on a clean WHITE towel and fluid should be a reddish-pinkish color not brownish from overheating or old age.

Have you changed or cleaned the tranny fluid filter? Only takes a micro piece of trash in the throttle body to cause it problems and it's what makes the shifting process happen. If you romp on it and kick down into passing gear does it shudder? Are you hard accelerating or just normal acceleration, like leaving a stop light.

Huney1 - Thanks for your comments. A while back I picked-up 60 quarts of Mercon V trans fluid at a local retail outlet during a closeout. Ended up costing about a dollar a quart. The pan gets dropped and the filter is changed with every dump and fill. With the current prices of trans filters, I end up paying around $20 for a trans fluid change. I have access to a lift and do this maintenence myself. Since I don't do a complete flush, I figure an aggresive change schedule is the next best thing. The trans shifts fine except for the newly developed shudder when the trans goes into lockup. This occurs during normal driving. Thanks again.

Hey quix,
I had the same problem with my 98 explorer 4.0 2wd. I never found out what exactly the problem was because reverse went out and I had to have the trans. rebuilt. BUT after the rebuild the shudder has gone away. Dont know if this will help but as I was paying my bill at the shop I did notice that Wynns sells a "stop transmission shudder" product.