Thanks for all the help! I believe I am finally on the right track!

Dr. Diff's gasket set should come in the mail today, then I'm all ready to go. We're scheduled for some rain tomorrow and maybe Wednesday, so I think I'll put it all back together after that, and with all the help you all have given me, I think it'll go smoothly.

Polarapete - the thought definitely crossed my mind to just swap in a Dana 60. The prices on a new one definitely aren't cheap though, and I think I'll be able to get my 8 3/4 working.