Ok - here's the deal - I had it in to my trusted tranny shop today that replaced the rear trans bushing and the center donut/bearing and did the 1-2 shift check ball for me. He drove it around for a while and noticed that there was a whine/singing at 70-75 or so. It is strongest under accleleration and quiets down upon letting off the gas.

He says the ring&pinoin are worn in. He said it should last like this for quite a while the way it is now. I really hope so - as I just put in an order for a buncha parts to get the car back up to 100% operational. (new exhaust header pipe, rear window squirter, rear brake pads...)

Anyhow - I really appreciate all your input here on the board. The tranny dude also said that the motor/trans mounts have not failed, but are not "new" so I may look at that at some time in the future.

For now, unless anyone else on the board has any other advice, I am going to drive the car. :)

Thanks all!

Stefan