Some other post indicates main carrier bearing is wearing out prematurely. And yes, this happened suddenly. Even if there were indications it was too difficult to detect. As i mentioned earlier, you wouldn't feel the issue once you drive around 10 miles, make a stop for sometime (I am yet to figure out min. time but an hour works) and restart. Got a quote of $4K to replace the tranny with a warranty of 36K/3yr with a reconditioned one from dealer. I yet to decide if I will spend those dollars on this one. Could anyone suggest if any particular year of 98-02 models DO NOT have this isssue?