Can't really add to the thread but you can do what I did and spend $3000 for a new trans. Now don't you feel better? Hope you get everything worked out.

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Rick & Michele in California
1985 300SD Turbo Deisel
300,000+ miles

1963 Mercury Meteor Stationwagon
1959 Montgomery Ward Silver Pigeon Scooter & matching bicycle
1974 IH Scout 4x4