Stalls when shifting

I have seen similar questions to this- sorry to bring it up again but I sure can use the help, here is my scenario:
I have a 93 Ford taurus 130,000 miles 3 spd automatic.. I can start the car fine it idles fine and is fine when I apply the gas when it is in park or neutral.. Whenever I shift to R or D it stalls, it will drive in D1 for whatever good that does me. My local mechanic said the torque converter- cost $500 but he said it could also be the transmission $2000.... Any comments ideas? Should I chance letting him fix the TC for $500.. I do not want to pay $2000 for anything... Good chance of not having to touch the transmission?

Thanks