Ford Repair: 1996 Ford Windstar stalling, torque converter clutch, torque converter clutch solenoid

Question
My 96 Windstar starts and idles perfectly in park.  As soon as you put your foot on the brake and shift into reverse or drive the engine stalls (giving it gas does not help).  With the vehicle jacked up and the wheels and brakes off you can shift through all gears perfectly WITHOUT touching the brake (as soon as you use the brake to shift it stalls).  

We have replaced the transmission range sensor and torque converter clutch solenoid, checked vacuum lines, IAC, EGR valve.  

The service engine light is not on.  The ABS light is on but has been for close to two years.  The cruise control was intermittent for a while and stopped working about a year ago.  

Any ideas on what could be causing this?

Answer
Hello Naomi,
    I honestly think that the torque converter clutch is locked up all of the time, not allowing any slippage at all. You mentioned the solenoid had been replaced. If the SES light isn't on, it is likely the problem is not an electrical fault. You will most likely find that the problem is actually in the torque converter itself, a mechanical problem. The only other thing that would cause it is power being applied to the clutch full time, but the solenoid is usually the fix for that. I wish I had a better suggestion, but I think the transmission and torque converter may need to be removed and repaired. Good luck!     Shaun.