Big thanks go to Joseph (aka sandcobra) and his wife for helping me get this thing home. Yep, I went with "Gertie".
Well, here is the bad part of the recovery.
Before I go on I want to say this: If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say it. If after reading this, you feel compeled to say something that makes you look like the all knowing lord of everything and it makes YOU feel better, well then, go right ahead.
As sandcobra said the brakes were an issue from the first mile of road. We released the fluid, tapped on the drums, pushed it in reverse and then finally wound up cranking out the screw as far as it would go. That solved the that. I won on that account but I will be most likely be replacing the pads all the way around and get the drums checked for warpping.
Now the fun begins. While pulled over to check the tow, again, I noticed smoke coming from the cab. I open the door and smoke is coming out of the shift tower from the floor. Jumped under the truck only to find smoke and oil pouring out of the transmission. It was literally bubbling out between the gaskets and I could hear it bubbling inside.
Well my heart sank along with my wallet at that point. I had toasted the transmission before I even had the truck running.
After we hooked it up I natrualy went to the cab and released the parking brake, ensured the transmission was in neutral and then pushed down on the transfer case lever. It said down as neutral. What I did not understand is that there is a detent between the ranges and neutral is pushed over and then down.
In the end, we both arrived safe, the truck made it to my house and I still think the I got a good deal even if I destroyed the tranny.
I made a mistake to be sure and I only blame myself for not checking it over one more time. There maybe a silver lining to this though. Now I have time to really look it over. Check and recheck various parts and get to know the truck inside and out.
Honestly, when Joseph's kids were playing around it the following day I felt much better. One of those bright moments that you need when your down.
Thanks again to Sandcobra and the advise people have offered.
Russ aka "Atomic the bone head"