Put it on the lift today to start a parts order. Had a nasty surprise; besides the noisy differential and collapsed suspension, the car has a blown head gasket. Previous owner hid the problem too well on the pre-purchase inspection
Car runs, shifts and drives pretty well; 10 minutes running and it starts overheating. Electromagnetic fan clutch works properly, as does the water pump and electric fan. I'm bummed, but we have a competent mechanic in house and the gasket kit is about $50.
Not too much of a headache, I hope. Otherwise, there's a 6.9 in the local auction and local buyers are petrified at the collapsed suspension