2002 350 SD loud fan-like noise and occasional whine

Howdy all,

I have a 2002 F-350 turbo diesel, 4x4, crew cab, long bed, dually with just over 180k miles on it (this week as it gets driven a lot)- 50% of the milage heavy towing. So far so good except for the loud fan-like noise I am now hearing and the occasional whine from underneath. I can still drag a stock Cummings like it was a trailer provided there is enough traction and drift (yes DRIFT) the truck on most corners coming home from work. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

The fan-like noise can happen warm or cold but always when asking the truck to move. Never stationary. At first I considered the cooling fan on the engine- but that should not be kicking in when it is just started up and put into motion. It is also something I can’t quite see while rolling down the road.

Sometimes, I can nearly complete a 30 mile trip and never hear the sound only to have it kick in as I start moving again at the stop sign down the street from my house. Occasionally, it seems a little hesitant to shift (only when fan sound is already present) and if I keep pushing down on the accelerator I get a terrible whine. The whine will go away as soon as I let up on the accelerator or the transmission up-shifts.

Please tell me this is a cheap fix! The truck already ate a starter, an alternator and 2 batteries this winter! All these parts were original equipment but still not easy to suck up in such a short period. I know I am doing very well for the (mileage) life I have gotten out of the transmission and the harsh treatment it has gotten throughout its pretty short life.

It is getting time for an oil change and a transmission fluid change as well due to mileage. The trans fluid is exactly at the right marks and looks as new as when I put it in, there is no sign of metal flakes in it or even any discoloration or burnt smell- Is a change of the fluid likely to even help or be about $100 wasted that I could put to an upgrade?