Not knowing your location, is there a cruiser club near you? Head to the clubhouse section and find the closest one and post up about needing help, perhaps someone can take you under their wing. A set of experienced eyes, ears, etc and a helping hand will go a long way.
It was a joke, folks like 85-up because a 5 speed is a direct swap. Other than that, just inconsequential stuff.
Your hope for heaven is Jesus Christ, not karma, but since you lol’d maybe you knew that.
Did the HG blow from overheat or a bad reseal? What are your symptoms? Damage might be...
Lots of possibilities here but since the sound is present in 4hi and low but not in 2hi assume 4wd related: front driveshaft joints, front diff, or t/c front output bearing. Definitely check fluid but you’d probably hear it in 2wd as well if dry.