I have an '03 SMB 4X4 with 106K mi. The transmision seems to be working OK but there are engine pitch changes when it shifts up into 2nd (fan clutch?) when it is under a load and the upshift into 3rd has become relativly hard when it is under load. Sometimes it seems as though there are two ranges for 2nd gear (pitch chnge again) but I don't feel a change in vehicle speed. I had the trans fluid and filter changed 5 months ago. No reported metal in pan. Just curious if anyone has an opinion as to when these transmissions need to be adjusted or rebuilt.
My door jam sticker reads: Trans E. From the information I have so far it appears to be the E40D. Although I am used to driving a stick, I'm not sure I want to drop a manual trans in. We have done a lot of crawling and the auto seems to do OK.