E4OD Question.. shift lever

[freddie]

This isn't on my 97, but instead on my 94 F150 with an E4OD.

I'm looking to replace the transmission, and found a low mileage 96 E4OD. However, the guy says that the shift lever on the side of the trans is frozen. I questioned him and he said it is indeed the transmission shift lever and not the transfer case shift lever. I can get the trans for a greatly reduced price now as he thinks something is wrong.

What say you, E4OD pros out there? Is that a common thing? Any speculation as to what is wrong with the trans, or if the guy is just clueless?

ETA: I had quotes on a rebuild of my trans but it was cost prohibitive. Objective is to find a low mileage used trans and upgrade the VB, add a Tru-Cool trans cooler and drive it.

 

[Mark Kovalsky]

I've seen the MLPS freeze up and bind the shift lever. Once the MLPS was pried off the shift lever moved normally.

 

[freddie]

Thanks for the reply Mark. Do you think that is the likely scenario here? I should add, I do not know if the MLPS is on the transmission, but I would assume so.

I'll request a few pictures.

 

[Mark Kovalsky]

It's pretty likely to be the problem.