Once upon a time I had both a NP241 and NP243 case apart on the bench to try and fix one with the other. The internal shift mechanism works completely different. Cant say for sure if the 27x series is built the same, but here's my overview.
In the manual, you get what you shift. Direct acting.
In the electric, the shift motor indexes position and spring-loads the shift fork. It's now up the spring and an agreeable gear position (i.e. not binding, etc) for the collar to slide and complete the shift. If something gets sticky or stubborn, it can hang up in a spring-loaded state (or a spring fails) while the shift motor has done its job and thinks its all dandy. Replace the motor with a DIY-stick, the same holds true. You can choose your desired position, but the tcase may not be doing what you ask. Also not sure if the electric version has distinct detent positions.
My 2 cents.
FWIW, I got my 271F with driveshafts for $125. Not worth trying anything too custom...