2000 Chevy Impala 3.8 99k TCC problem

[cw41]

When my car goes into lockup around 40mph, it starts to shutter and will not stop until you tap the brake pedal or speed/slow down.  I changed the fluid and filter used dex 6 and found no more than usual gray matter in the pan.  since the book I have shows a major job to replace the TCC I took it to the GM shop and they confirmed that the TCC is defective and that the torque converter needs replaced.  In talking with the mechanic, he says that he can 'feel' clutch material from the converter in the fluid somewhat like grit.  Is this possible to feel the fluid which is only 3000 miles old and tell that the converter is bad?  Just doesn't sound right to me.  The charge to R & R was 2/3 of a rebuilt unit and wonder if replacement would be a wise choice??  Thanks for any tips you can give me.

[keith]

I would replace the TCC soloind first then if you keep having the problem then do the torque converter.

[cw41]

Thanks for the tip..