Got underneath and changed the TCC solenoid and the 4th gear pressure switch. Apart from a messy slog it really wasn't that bad. Followed the directions here:
http://www.montecarloss.com/TCC_Solenoid.html and so far so good. no leaks, no bogging, and maybe its just my imagination but it feels better on the road, seems to be upshifting higher, where its supposed to.... (bonus fluid/filter change, but it was clean clean clean so no worries there)
I also put in a high-amp alternator, because I was getting low voltage on the gauges when I'd start the car, and it would only come up when I revved it up a bit. Figured I'd upgrade it when I replaced it.
Now, though, brand new alternator, the voltage gauge doesn't come up past about 10. I measured the battery with the car running and its around 12, but that was on a crappy $5 analog meter, need a battery for my good one :/ ... I'm going to go put the old alternator in and see what it does. Wonder if I need a new gauge. blah. Will report back in a minute.