year?
I say start searching NOW for a 98+ tranny. a 99 with the newly designed valvebody would be a great step. Much cheaper than a rebuild. search car-part, or greenleaf.com
crown vic, mustang, grand marquis, f-150 2wd...just make sure it is a civilian tranny, not from PI.
swap some simple parts(TCC solenoid, MLPS), re-pin the harness connector, get a new TC, and you could be done, with a much better unit, for less than $900, if you do the labor.
Just a thought.