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You should be able to just buy frame rail material and inner "sleeve" material at a good frame or spring shop(big trucks) and simply bolt it all together for what you described your goal is.
Search! http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?51219-Water-Pump-Belt-replacement
Plenty of other useful threads on the topic.
Also reading through the TM-20/24 would be helpful prior to picking up a tool.
Be prepared when you start it, with a digital volt meter.
Since you have had a battery cable failure, your alternator may have a bad regulator now. That could be causing the belt squeal.
Measure your voltage when you start it to see what you have.
Good info, found searching.. Does not cover gear removal, but you may find it interesting.
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?81844-6-2-gear-drive