[V8] Another auto transmission question/issue

[David M]

Haven't posted in many, many moons but have been lurking much more lately to
try and pick up where I left off so to speak.

On the way home today I noticed a pronounced 'buzzing' from under the car,
that grew to what I would describe as a whine.  Got under the car and it is
definitely coming from the transmission.  From underneath it was
surprisingly wet (hadn't noticed any spots on the driveway at all) and
sounded like there were a few marbles right behind and possibly above the
exhaust cross-member by the tranny pan.  I live on a hill and I also noticed
a shudder or stumble shifting from 1st to 2nd but not from 2nd to 3rd.  I
have the tranny dipstick, looked a little low so I added a quart, then drove
it around a little and the sounds were not as pronounced.

Based on the 'hard shift' post and advice to remove pan, clean and replace
filter/fluid, I'm thinking that would be my first course of action as well.
Make sense?  Any other ideas or WAGs?  This came completely out of the blue
so I'm really hoping it isn't the beginning of the end of my tranny....

Thanks in advance!
DaveM
90 V8Q Pearl