I don't know where to start.

Problem: No Overdrive. Rpm's jump to about 5k, and the speed does not increase. The transmission does NOT act as if it's in neutral. I can be doing 60, try to pass a vehicle, and have no acceleration once in OD. No CEL is present. Recent work includes...

1) New Heads (Valve Recession).
2) 2 new Catalytic Converters, (Right was knocking).
3) New Fuel filter.
4) New MAF Sensor.
5) New TPS.
6) Checked fuses.
7) Fluid levels are good, I did add TransX. no Leaks.
8) New plugs/wires/Ignition Module.

This issue was present before any repairs where made. When it doesn't accelerate while in OD, I have started hearing a slight rattle from under the hood/Truck. OD has not worked for a while.

What else should I look at? I am at the point of paying a shop to check into it. Also, from what I see online, people are saying my 2004 Ford Ranger 2wd with the 3.0 has the 5r44e transmission, but the door code references the 5r55e.

 

Looks like your heading for a trans rebuild, smell the dipstick oil/color how many miles

 

I called a shop, and that's what the shop owner said. He said it sounds like the clutch between 3rd and 4th is going out. The trans fluid is a little darker. Smelling the fluid, it doesn't have a burnt smell. 226k miles. I got it with 189k miles.

I was test driving it last night, and just between yesterday morning, and last night, I saw a noticeable loss in power.

 

226k hell .. how did it last that long, my trans went bad at 144k, i pulled it out in my garage and took it to a trans guy $1200 plus the oil $85

 

He said 226k is beyond what he expected. I am debating on pulling it myself. His prices are $1,600 for him to do the entire rebuild and install. $1,100 for him to install a low mileage used tranny. Or $800 for a bench job.

 

*** UPDATE ***

​​​​​​A family friend spent about 15 minutes combined, under the hood, asking questions and test driving it. He said it's an issue with exhaust. Suggested I look at the 3rd catalytic converter. I pulled it out, and Wow! My whole problem. It now has too much power for the old U joints.