Well I got under the truck today to take off the bolts that hold the gas tank straps in place and happened to see some big ole rust patch right about there the tranny meets the engine.
I scoot up to look and it's rusted thru and the mice must have decided in the tranny was a good place to live, because the only thing sticking out that wasn't rusted metal was what was left of the seat cushions that the mice had carried in there for bedding.
So now I guess i'm going to be looking for a replacement tranny.
This weekend I hope to get the tank all flushed out along with the radiator and try and see if I can get the engine to crank and start.. who knows.. I may end up having to find and tranny AND an engine!