Guess who's back!
. I've been lurking and working on the wagon when I can (lurkin and workin). Updates - when I last reported the transmission issues I should've easily diagnosed because the 3-4 clutches were gone, and apparently that material makes the fluid have the milkshake effect. After checking around and seeing that even core rebuilds are like $2000 (!) I ordered a 3-4 clutch rebuild kit and a new pump assembly for like $250 (Global Transmission Parts) to try and save that money. Worst case it would fail and I will just buy an aftermarket replacement. It could have been done in a few weekends but it took quite a while due to other various projects. With my dad's help we pulled the trans, blew it apart and following TransmissionBench's amazing video tutorials (also hilarious because he pronounces it 'tran-mission' lol) carefully cleaned and reassembled. So far so good, but haven't put a lot of miles on it yet. And that is due to the electrical issues with the original harness I still need to track down and fix. I am guessing it may be due to having removed the add-on AC system the dealer hacked together. Or simply bad grounds, old connectors, etc.
I already bought some cat converters and am ordering the Walker quiet-flow mufflers and will have the system welded at a shop. Haven't yet pulled the trigger on gauges but will do that soon.
But after that feeling of 1 step forward and 2 steps back, I'm being cautiously optimistic.
* sorry for the low light shot, I will get some nice ones once I detail the paint