What I thought was trans issue was IMRC

OK!! I was having a shutter or a bump every so often on my Windstar.I noticed It more after engine was up to operation temp.. So for a while when my trans at one point over heated and leaked trans fluid from the over flow valve I added a trans cooler and replaced the filter and then took to dealer and had them to exchange the fluid.. So my guess was the pump maybe going.. But this went on for over a year now and the trans has never leaked and pulls really strong.. So I stared to notice my gas mpg were dropping.. I saw a post on here about the IMRC and it seemed to me everyone was having performance problems and other things.... Well my van runs great besides the shudder or bump I speak of .. So that could not be my issue.. I also thought that when I looked under the hood did not think I had a IMRC like some of the others and what I see in my Ford book.. Well yes I had an IMRC and get this.. Rear rod was gone and never recalled seeing it at all and the front rod was not connected at all. It looked like it was but after looking in to it. NOPE!!!!

So the trip to the dealer.... My Ford parts guy was well aware of the issue..

10.00 bucks for the plastic clips.. But I have to buy a IMRC to get the rear rod... WHAT!!! 237.00..... RE-WHAT!!! I said ok.. so 2 clips and an IMRC unit ran me 257.00...... The IMRC unit already had clips for the rods to the unit..Gee thanks motorcraft.. Why not give 2 more for the kit..

But this is the great part... The thing runs like a bat out of hell. After you push 3,000 rpm the IMRC kicks in... So far no more shutter or bump..
So I am wondering how long the back rod has been gone. I recall seeing the front one when I did my Isolator bolt replacement 3 or 4 yrs ago now. Some of the pictures I still have of that work does not show the back.. So I guess I was running off of one the whole time I had the van. Then the front clip must have broke sometime a little over a year ago.. .. So My suggestion is when doing your oil the next time take a look at your IMRC.. If you look on the passenger side of the engine and look around the alternator. and around the power steering pump. Alternator just behind it you will see the rod and the power steering pump just behind it you will see the rod.. They should connect to a linkage to the engine or intake area and one to the IMRC...So there are 2 rods. One for front and one for back.. 3 bolts hold the IMRC in place one on the top right side near to alternator and 2 on the left side.

There is also a post on here titled "name that part plus bonus question". There is a good photo of that one on that post.. My pics did not turn out to well.. So thanks to the forum again on this time saving me about 2600-3600 on a new trans.. So maybe my trans is ok after all.. have 105,000 miles on it now..

Ok after driving home today I did get the shutter again.. Did not seem quite as bad though... Still may have trans issue.. Who knows..