Hit up Joey / Wit’s End - 1 stop shopping & he’s all too fluent in cooling system issues (actually where the company name started) - so he’ll fix you up right.
https://absolute-wits-end.com/80-series-heater-control-valve-95-97/
I just linked the valve (out of stock) - but you have it anyhow -...
If you’re honest with yourself & the level of rust.....cool.
But if it was me, with a set lf locker diff axles (seems like you said as much / 1st post) ) - I’d strip the axles & sel the hulk if it’s rusted.
Not trying to flex a a$$ opinion, just the age old “lipstick on a pig” - in this case a...