Confusion over auto trans

[Wigglesrewind]

Hey everyone, long time stranger returning after being ranger-less for about 10 years or so. Just picked up a 2006 mazda B3000 2WD and was doing a trans filter and fluid change and noticed it has an 18 bolt trans pan which according to what ive read is a 4r44e. The truck definitely drives like a 4speed. Runs about 2700rpms at 70. Im surprised by this as my vin sticker trans code is D which should be a 5speed.

I was under the assumption that even though the 2 transmissions are very similar they arent interchangable due to the trucks computer. I wouldn't really care normally except the truck has 165k on the clock and was looking at maybe picking up a spare trans and dont want to waste time removing one that i couldn't use. a junkyard by me usually runs 50% off days and has a half dozen late model rangers i could pick over and find a cheap spare.

Just wondering what to make of this...certainly seems like its a 4speed auto but that leaves me wondering how they made that work unless the transmissions are more interchangable than ive read.

Bestow your wisdom on me ranger nation!

 

[19Walt93]

The tech library tab at the top has all kinds of info. The transmission chart shows an 01-11 Ranger with trans code "D" is a 5r44e. The extra gear is between 1st and 2nd and is hard to notice while driving.
https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-automatic-transmissions/

 

[RonD]

Welcome back to TRS

You would have a 5R44E in a 2006, 2001-2008 3.0l Ranger or B3000

You are correct the the 4R44E wouldn't have the ISS sensor above the shifter on drivers side so wouldn't work in a 2001-2008 3.0l Ranger/B3000 because computer needs that sensor
So the 18 bolt pan is odd

But outside of that added ISS sensor and pan bolts the 4R and 5R are the same
The added gear was turning on OD while still in 1st, giving a "faux 2nd" gear, so its a computer added gear no change to transmission "gears"

Have a look just above shifter on drivers side for the ISS sensor, if its there in you have a 5R

Diagram here: https://f01.justanswer.com/tsmodie/d5ff14e0-07c1-4ecb-ae94-4d8075833b97_oss.png

Shows ISS(center) and OSS(rear) sensor positions

 

[Wigglesrewind]

Thanks for the replies! Im excited to have another one after a few years! I checked and it does indeed have the ISS above the linkage so it must be the 5R. Weird about the pan being the old style. The truck was assembled in the usa and exported the canada for sale then eventually imported back to Michigan later in life so maybe that has something to do with it. Either way I've been enjoying wrenching on it. Bought it as a non running project for 1000 bucks after it sat for 2 years and wouldnt start. got it running with just the basics(new battery, plugs, wires, fuel filter and fresh gas) and am enjoying having a cheap truck around.

 

[Transman304]

A4LD and the 4R-5RE all use the same 18 bolt pan. Only difference is 2x4 and 4x4

 

[Wigglesrewind]

A4LD and the 4R-5RE all use the same 18 bolt pan. Only difference is 2x4 and 4x4

Is this picture inaccurate then? This is what i was going off

 

[Transman304]

The chart is incorrect. Here you go.

 

[Wigglesrewind]

The chart is incorrect. Here you go.
View attachment 45270

Good to know! Thanks for the reply.