1998 F-150 XLT Supercab 2WD, 4.6 Windsor, 4R70W, 3.55 ls rear, 230K miles. Original owner, always maintained & garage kept.

A couple months ago this truck began stuttering at the low end of the power band in 4th gear only (O/D). Highway entrance ramps on long shallow uphill grades, that type of thing. Since it began, I had an episode that I thought was a failed fuel pump (crank/no start), but which turned out to be the crank position sensor. Replaced that with the hopes that would also resolve the stutter. The truck is back to starting & running fine, but it did nothing for the stutter. Then, I discovered it had a P0500 code (there has never been a MIL light, O/D flashing, etc.; I just happened to run a scan and discovered it). So I replaced the vehicle speed sensor (this one is transmission mounted), hoping that might help the stutter. It didn't. The plastic gear on the sensor (orange, 20 teeth) seemed to be in pristine condition so I reused it.

My question is, does the ECU need to re-learn anything on these trucks after replacing these parts? I haven't disconnected the battery throughout all this and have only driven it maybe 15 miles since the speed sensor was done. The P0500 has not returned after those miles, so I have reason to believe I got a good part. Are there any other non-transmission components that could cause mistaking this stutter for an actual transmission problem?

Thanks for reading this and giving me your thoughts!

Mike