Looking For "Truck Church" On Tranny (Transmission)

[magwakeenercew2jh]

I thought I had the leaks stopped.

Long sad story shortened: TH350 was part of the pile of parts I got from an honorable pal three years ago. He told me the trans shifted nicely but leaked.

So, I took it to a guy...new seals front and back, best pan gasket, new aluminum pan. Had a one piece drive shaft built, new cross member installed. Put the TH350 in early in the build.
When I filled it up to six of the 12 or whatever quarts, one came out on the floor. Because I'm dumb and forgot to put the drive shaft in first, it leaked the last quart out before I could stop!
Put the drive shaft in (Duh!). It leaked!

I thought it was coming from the shift shaft. New tool...new dime-sized gasket. Leaked.

Pulled the trans and took it to a local shop of good repute. He showed me something inside the bell housing and replaced a bushing or something. $85.

Filled it (to about three quarts low, I think) and no leaking. But we hadn't started the motor. Finally, after a few other leaks of coolant and replacing the freeze plugs
(Yup, pulled the motor again to do it), we started her up. No tranny leaks.

When I put the following three quarts of trans fluid in and drove 1/4 mile to the trucks new resting spot, leaks! Looking on the dipstick (while the truck was running, of course),
I couldn't see "red", altho it seemed "wet" up past full.

I had a Lokar-style braided stainless dipstick that was suspect because it was frayed on the trans end, altho the o-ring in the business part that went into the trans looked to be uncompromised.
So....I bought (a good one, I think) an aftermarket dipstick/filler. Leaked...from somewhere.... in seemingly the area of the dipstick/filler area (pass side above the pan/gasket/casting, in front of that big circular thing...
...and seemingly, behind where the trans cooler lines and kick-down cable are attached). The cooler lines are dry as a bone, as is the big round thing (I don't know what thios is..."regulator"?)...even down low.

So, after spending two days under the truck. Jacking it up, cleaning it off, going for a drive, jacking it upo. Looking with lights, cleaning, feeling, using a mirror, etc. I drained a quart off of what I was already worried
was not enough fluid, and there was less leaking.

Took it for a ride, no leaks.

That was yesterday. Tonight, I looked under her. Leaking.

First thing I did was come in and look on Craigslist for a 700r4. Then, after some sticker-shock, I looked for a "new" TH350...Then, I realized I was just too pissed to make a decent decision.

Here's the deal: I've sunk so much dough in this truck...I want it to be right...and I'd like to get some gas mileage....but a 700 is a lot of gas money....but if it wouldn't leak.....
And if it would fit in direct place of the TH350???? I don't know. New cross member? Re-do the drive shaft? I'm running 3:08's non-posi behind a very mild 350. Already have a bunch of dough
in the driveshaft and ....waah, wah, wah, waaaaah.......

When I get like this, I like to go to "Truck Church"....So, here I am. I'll take all suggestions. Please...

What would you all do?