I wonder if it could be a flex plate problem that is causing it to hit either on the snout of the starter or the back of the block when in gear...

 

never even thought about anything like that

 

Had the same problem in my 95 just after I bought it. It was a bearing going out in the torque converter. Wasn't even a terribly expensive fix if I remember correctly, maybe $650 or so, and the tranny shop even dynoed my tranny to let me know if they saw any other problems coming up soon.

 

I have this same problem except the roaring doesn't start until I've been sitting in traffic for a few minutes, and then once I get going 45-50 it usually goes away??? Come to think of it sometimes it sounds that way when I first start it, but it will usually go away. Any suggestions????

 

cjbehrens, your description sounds like a normally working thermo-viscous clutch. When in traffic, the lack of air flow will cause the radiator temperature to rise and engage the clutch. When a vehicle sits for a period of time, the viscous material will settle in the clutch, sometimes causing it to be engaged upon startup. Once the clutch turns for a bit, the fluid will be thrown out into its appropriate location and the clutch will release.

As far as the sound you hear, there are different clutches available. If an HD clutch was installed (one that engages more quickly), then the sound will be more noticable.