Thanks for the replies. So the consensus is the whine is normal. Good to know. Hi GM!
LOL. You're right, Caymen, my concern for my Trac borders on paranoia, but given the Trac's tranny reputation around here I'm prompted to ask about every noise I don't know whether is normal or not. I've read several complaints about the tranny from members who did not just register simply to post such complaints. I myself already had to take my Trac in at less than 20K miles for the 2-3 flare that others have posted about, so my confidence in reliability is so-so in this regard. Simply put, my budget is quite tight at the moment, and if I my Trac has a problem I want to be able to take it to the dealer before the warranty expires in a few thousand miles.
On another note, I sincerely appreciate all the helpful feedback that members have always provided me here. It keeps me in the know and has been a big part in my enjoyment of owning a Sport Trac.