Thanks for your responses.  Mike, Joel, Jim and Chris.

I especially liked Chris's "youre the original owner and you've never used
the 4th gear??
;<)"

I think I read in the archives that if you didn't use 4th it wouldn't wear
out, but trips sure take a long time.

Well, based on your comments I think I'll fix some of the problems and then
look for a van with original auto transmission rather than convert.  You
convinced me,  too much work.

Thanks again,
John Bates
Fairfield County, OH