Yes, that's exactly what I did. I thought it was kind of strange because it sounded like the input shaft was supposed to just slide out. Anyway, a little rubber hammer action and it came apart. But inside was not pretty. The whole OD section is pretty toasted. The OD clutch adapter, or castle washer as you guys like to call it, was apparently spinning around on the drum. I assume that its not supposed to do that! The needle bearing is disintegrated, and the back of the planetary is all ground down. So I can see where the $400+ in hard parts comes from.
But the rest of the stuff looks pretty good. I think this thing was just rebuilt about 3 years ago, because there's a guy's name and a date (March something 2001) written on top.
I just got the spring compressor from Advance Auto you recommended, and it worked as advertised. Next up, I'm going to get a rebuild kit and start doing what i can. Can't afford hundreds of dollars all at once on parts just now.
I had a thought : I could get a whole transmission from the local pull-a-part place for $70, and maybe try to salvage an OD drum, etc? Probably not a real good idea, huh?
And oh yeah, theres several trans parts places here in Atlanta I can go to. But I don't think they like me much