Autobox selector lever

Hi guys.

I have an engine & box out of an '89 280GEL at the mo, on a crane pending reinstallation. The box was removed with the long wire actuator rod (offside of box) disconnected from the lever mechanism under the car.
Whilst weve been busy I droppped the box, i think on that side, allthough it didnt fall far :( .
My question is, i there a solenoid etc which would prevent the lever on the side of the gearbox moving significantly? I can move it forwards and backwards a bit, but cant feel anything moving internally, its as if the lever is hitting a stop mechanism or the likes. I cant think i can have damaged the mechanism as the wire actuating rod kind of got bent a bit (not a lot) therefore that would have taken any strain(?).
I'm sure you can appreciate i am reluctant to put the whole lot back in if the box appears bu**ered, but i know very little about autoboxes.
The output flange/shaft at the rear is in "neutral" ie rotates freely without rotating the torque converter/flywheel, and the same for the t/converter- rotates freely without moving the output flange (checked prior to bolting back to engine). This is the same for all of the limited travel of the selector shaft/lever.

The 'box has not been refilled yet.

I feel a right muppet about this one, but I am flummoxed, so to speak.

As ever, thanks a load for your help.......