Has anyone here ever replaced a transmission filter for a 2WD 2002 Ford Ranger Edge?

Question

The reason I'm asking this question is because I just did this today in a barn that was 100 degrees inside with no lift. It was one hell of a job but I got it done but anywayz ... I went to Autozone a week earlier and bought the new filter and the guy at the counter kept asking me all about me truck. Like if it was a 2WD what size engine ect ... Then he asked me if it had a deep pan or a shallow pan. I was clueless(I thought he was supose to know this) He sent me out to measure the height with a tape measure. It was 2.75 inches tall so, I told him it had to be a deep pan. Well, unfortunatly I was wrong and he sold me the filter with a 2 inch extention tube on it. I put the new filter on and then the pan wouldn't go on because of the tube. I was so pissed at that point I just cute the tube off with a utility knife. The transmission is working fine now, but will that last long?

In responce to Eric's answer.
No offence but a parts person working at a Autoparts store needs to be able to tell someone what kind of part they need for their vehicle and
if they can't do that, then they're not qualified for the job and need to find a different job.

Answer 1

Man I wouldnt mess around with that, transmissions are really tricky, you should go to your mechanic and ask them, to be on the safe side

Answer 2

in the counterperson's defence, there is no way for him to know what you are driving, what options you have, or pretty much anything about your truck for that matter. It is not a counterman's job to go digging for this information. There are times someone will know absolutely nothing about their car, not even the year. then in this case, counterpeople sometimes will go out and get the year/make/model, and sometimes lift the hood to get the correct engine size.
the questions you were asked were valid and legit.
IF you went to the dealership, they would simply want your VIN # and would get the information from that, ONLY a dealership can do this. Problem is, if you modified anything, what the VIN # indicates is now null and void.
the filter is the same, however it's simply the length that is the issue, as long as the transmission is shifting properly, you have nothing to worry about. Just remember what you have now so next times when asked you won't have to guess.