Well, I got the overdrive unit rebuilt for $80.00 and installed it. It works great. I found the problem when my local tranny shop refused to remove it, just rebuild the whole tranny. So I had nothing to lose so I removed it and found part of the broken snap ring dangling on the separation of the cases. Took it back to em and they rebuilt it. All I asked for them to do is replace the ring, but of course they replaced the clutches and bearings as well. I would have paid them $200 to r&r it, and I did most of the work. I'm just glad it's fixed.
I was able to tell where the rumbling noise was coming from and r&r'd the front pass bearing hub. Nice and quiet now. Now I have to get it reg. and insp. I'll make the engine oil leaks my next project. Just hope it's not the rear main or front tranny seals. It drips on the exhaust so I have a constant reminder. The tran oil pan bolts weren't very tight in places so I hope I slowed that down, at least. I hope something as simple as the valve cover or sending unit is to blame. For 245k it has a lot of pep in the engine. Oh yea, I just remembered I need to work on the brakes, too. They are sufficient but need attention soon. If the interior wasn't in such good shape I wouldn't have messed with this jeep. The leather seats look good, no tears.
I'll start making a cost list for the end results.
Later.
DON TX