I have somthing to add to this for you 98_SE_SPORT. There is no cables for your cars trans shifter it is rods. If it is not the linkage than your going to need to go to a shop like i did and find out how much it is going to cost for them to fix it. I can tell you ths it is not going to be cheep for the shop to go into your trans. I was quoted a grand just to take the trans out ant put it back in not including the work they got to do to it and parts. If it is not the linkage your best bet is to go to a junkyard and get a used trans then you can get one with the gearing you want like the one out of the 99 cougar is a danm good swap the gearing is better i think at least. I know this cause im still looking for a trans & shop that will do this swap for a good price. The cheepest cougar trans that i found is like $900 and that is to much for me but if you have the money to spend than go for it. If you find a cougar trans cheeper than that let me know im in wisconsin.
