Just got off the phone with Brentwood Transmission. The good news is  that the transmission is in rather good condition, since its last rebuild in 1997. I guess there are some bad splines on the front planet  and the transmission mounts need replacing. As for the bad news, the flywheel and starter need replacing, engine mounts are shot and there is a vibration in the drive shaft. A bit more than expected, but nonetheless it needed to be repaired, so I just told them to go ahead  and do it. I should have the Cougar back by Wednesday, hopefully by then  the parts from PST will have arrived. Just called them and was told by the sales agent, the parts were  shipping on Friday, April 8. I could have a busy weekend working on the  front end?.