It doesn't happen all the time but occasionally. I have noticed that when my Mark VIII is driving around 40 mph the rpm dropped to 1000rpms this is apparently normal for this car the overdrive is kicking in to conserve gasoline. I will cruise at this speed for a while. The problem I have noticed is that when crusing at 40mph the rpm drop if I then ask the car to go faster I hear a grinding noise. It sounds like the ridges you run over on the expressway to tell you to slow down. What should I do? Is my trans going out? Is there a part that I should immediately change? Could it be a vaccuum leak? If so where should I look? If it turns out to be my trans can I pick up a new one from Ford and how much can I expect to pay? Thanks for all the advice. You guys are great.