Well, since the engine gernaded on me, I kept saying I was going to have the trans looked at, since it would pop out of 4th gear under acceleration. After much searching, I could not find anyone local to take it to. Either they didn't work on manuals, or Muncies, or they said they did but I didn't get that "warm fuzzy" feeling from them. So I ended up shipping it off to some guy in Texas..... Yup, Joel has my transmission. Below is his report (in bold):

Hi, John!
I finally got yer tranz disassembled today....
I'm afraid I don't have very good news, tho.
I know you haven't had the car very long, right? Anyway, I'm not sure what kind of "lube" was in it, but it is NASTY! Looks like it has had some water in it...not good.

Here's what I found to be bad:
Input shaft(4th gear) synchro teeth worn
1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears on the mainshaft, synchro teeth worn.
3rd-4th shift collar("slider") is worn almost completely thru on the 4th gear side. This explains the falling out of 4th.
1st-2nd shift collar is worn also, but not as bad as the 3-4.
1st-2nd and 3rd-4th shift forks have major wear.
Rear yoke is severely worn down in the bushing area, as is the bushing itself.

I didn't get a chance to gather any prices on these parts today, as it was pretty late when I got it torn down. I will check Tuesday morning, and let you know.
I really didn't want to see this kind of damage, for your sake. Nor was I expecting it. This trans has had some abuse somewhere down the line, and it doesn't appear to have ever been built before. Who knows?

And then there is the reverse light switch...it is broken, as is the 3-4 switch for the vaccuum advance system. Both of these switches are on the outside of the trans.

So I can make an educated guess as to why the freakin' engine died - abuse. And no, it wasn't me! I'm glad I had it checked. Joel's going to fix it up real good fer me.

Now I guess I better open up that differential cause who knows what's going on in there.....

Remember THIS ONE???
This is similar to what John's trans parts look like, except ALL of the gears in his '71 are worn like this, instead of just the 3rd gear, as Dwain's was.
I will be taking pics of John's Muncie later this weekend...stay tuned...

That really sucks!  Joel will fix it up perfect!   I want him to rebuild my Muncie when it is time (hopefully not soon....but ya' never know with these sharks).

I feel so honored...

You should, silly guy!

Otay...I gots a few pics of John's tranz.

Wanna see 'em? Heah they am!

Granted, they may be a wee bit small for some of ya, but, I did send John the mo better(ie: un-resized) pics. I put them on my "Car Domain" site 'cause I could get them all on one page, in one place. One "click" service with a smile! Adams' Apple38964.6231597222

Man, that's really interesting and helps me understand.  Good explaination and pictures.  Thanks!

So Joel, what do those parts cost and can you get them at the "dealer" cost?

Dave, I can't afford "dealer" prices! I have several suppliers, both local, and national. I get really good prices on some stuff from one, and maybe better for other stuff from another.
This particular trans was in pretty bad shape, so the cost was fairly high for parts. I'm not gonna give out the parts price, tho, cause it's not my trans! John(jgoglick) can do that if he wishes, but I have Dr./Patient confidentiality to consider....yeah, right!