gentlemen...
Well, the morning report from the transmission guys (Economy Transmission here in Boise) is as follows...
They got into the unit and found that the secondary (?)servo piston had failed. Apparently this is a rubber-molded steel piston, and the rubber molding had torn off one side. This also resulted in burning out the 2nd gear band.
They're doing a pretty thorough job, new clutch packs, replacing some weak factory parts with some better parts, remanufactured torque convertor, yada yada... at least the next thing on this Ex that breaks WON'T be the transmission!
so.... what's another $1750?
(I'm trying not to think about it...

)
at least I'll have my X back tonight... Not used to having that much space free in the garage! :exp:
good luck with yours, Dan!
thanks to Mike, Dan, and everyone here for your input/vents/willingness to listen. This forum is the best source of info around!
later,
Sam