Other things I will be tending to are the differential mounts and the rear subframe mounts. They're not too bad, but the rear end rattles over bumps and it is not the exhaust, and I believe it is because the rubber is rotted out in the little mounts.

If I have the independent install the transmission, can I put off the differential mounts for another few months until I can do them myself? I have the parts already. (In fact, they have been sitting in the trunk for over a year.) Would the rattling of the differential damage the new transmission? I assume I need a special MB tool to do the diff mounts myself.

I think I will order a transmission today and have it shipped to the independent.

Thank you for your responses!

Justin