97 chevy tahoe makes a noise while in first gear. once it changes to next gear then noise stops. there is no loss of power in first gear or any other gear. (5.7L 4x4 automatic)

A high idle is common with a vacuum leak. Ive done plenty of chevy intake manifold gaskets due to the gasket failing.

try a transmission oil change
indicates the oil is dirty and interfering with the changes and servo/ solenoids

maybe a wheel bearing or ball joint

Your problem could be in the Transmission, but most likely it is caused by a sensor / electric part called an Accellerator-Pedal-Position-Sensor (APP-Sensor. If it is the APP Sensor, then you should be getting a signal in the information center saying "reduced power" or a Check-Engine Light.

Sounds like you are having a problem with the starting motor. When activated, it throws out a gear to engage with the flywheel on the end of the engine. If there is not enough energy to fully engage the gear, or the gear does not engage properly due to misalignment, you may hear a grinding noise. Have the starting motor serviced or replaced.

The torque converter clutch issue, won't effect the
shifting issues

I would stop using it,unless your prepared to
completely rebuild it, in a few weeks.

It has to be diagnosed and resolved, now,quickly.

Having once owned a trans shop, I don't like the
fact your driving it at all,hung shifts for 7 miles
will do it in

check front and rear u joints in driveshafts

check your rear brake shoes if you had them changed recently they may not have been adjusted properly and that sometimes will cause that and also check the rear diff yoke where the driveshaft goes insometimes it get gear oil on it and harder for it turn. i would try these hints first before i take to shop

If your old engine ran real bad with oil passing through your exhaust more than likely the catalytic converter is bad

as long as nothing is stuck in track and you hear no noise when using switches, look for broken wire at connector or in harness. ck fuse first of course, if blown, something may be stuck in track causing it to stop and blowing fuse