Update: Raised the four wheels off the ground and installed jack stands for easier access. I did not have a "helper" to hold the gear shift in "low" per the cable adjustment instructions, so I decided to use my previous continuity tester procedure.
After marking with white paint the position of the wheel that adjusts the shift cable at the transmission, I removed the 7/16" headed bolt. I spun the little wheel one full turn clockwise and checked neutral position of the shifter. The neutral safety switch was in the same position as before which was too close to reverse.
I removed the bolt again, spun the wheel back counter clockwise to where it was and then an additional turn counter clockwise. The switch was still off, but a little closer. After having spun the wheel 2 or 3 times more counter clockwise, it appeared that we could start the vehicle now in both park and neutral positions. I replaced the bolt.
I started and ran the motor for just a minute in neutral (still needs more coolant added) and checked the AT dipstick which still reads over-filled like before (of course, this is a cold check). I quickly tried the gear shift in both reverse and drive and saw the driver's side rear wheel spin. Then I shut down the engine.
The big bolt (1 3/16th inch head) that secures the 90 degree oil filter adapter is still dripping oil. To replace the little gasket and remove/tighten the bolt, I will need to remove the TTI 2 1/2" head pipe on the passenger side later today or tomorrow.
