Aight. As I posted elsewhere, Earl got new tires, and I took him to the tranny shop as well. Great news,
there's nothing wrong with the tranny itself. A former owner fixed a leaky fitting with a glob of silicon sealer, and that seal was failing quickly. Wonder if the used car dealer knew about this.... hmmmmmmmmmmmm....
Got that fixed, replaced the speedometer bullet, and had the tranny serviced, and she's doing well. I've been driving Earl this week (oh, yeah... finally went to DMV and got 'im legal) instead of the Trailblazer, and we've been doing well so far.
I have a couple weeks before I have to head out to Springdale, and if Earl behaves between now and then, I'll take him to leave at the truck terminal. That way, the TB will be available to my wife as a spare car. Heck... I may even sell it after a while and just work Earl into perfection.