Trans problem.... Torque converter?

My wife drives a 1998 4runner with the V6 automatic. It has just about 100K miles on it now, & about 6 months ago, it starting making a faint whining sound. Well, I drove it this weekend, & its pretty bad now. Basically is RPM related, & is only present under load. any gear, including reverse. Also does it if I hold the brakes & step on the throttle. Nothing in park, or neutral, coasting, etc. The SUV has never pulled any trailers, & I flushed the transmision fluid at 70K miles. It still looked clean then & looks clean now.

Sounds like a torque converter, but wanted to see if these where known for this type of failure? I have had a lot of cars over the years, & have never had a torque converter go bad.

Thanks!

Decided I am going to pull the trans & replace the converter. Only thing it cold be I guess.....

Keep us posted on the results.

Pulled the transmission & tranfercase. Replaced the torque converter & fluid. All is well now. Nice & quiet. Not an easy job on a 4Runner though. Top Bellhousing bolts are a little hard to get out, & many of the lines wires & fasteners & time consuming. I think It took me about 8 hours total.

Good Job! I'm glad it solved the problem for you.