Normal?

Not talking about me. That is a matter of opinion.

'98 Rangie, 4.6, 24hp4 trans. On slow acceleration, using manual shifting, goes 1rst, 2nd, 3rd unlocked torque converter, 3rd locked, 4th unlocked, 4th locked. I can't really tell when left in full automatic if the same is true. Could this be essentially a 6-speed transmission?

Les

Not in the usual definition of the word, you've got 4 ratios and a lockable converter. I see what you mean, theoretically for any given rpm, each selection would give a different road speed but in engineering terms you wouldn't call it six speed.

The J**p used to to give a noticeable nudge to the transmission whenever the torque convertor locked or unlocked so that *felt* like a 5-speed but AW4 boxes are definitely 4-speed only.

The ZF 4HP24 is definitely a 4-speed so you're probably experiencing the same thing.