Let's just say I had some fun at P.I., 3rd batallion, H company...USMC 84-88. Lots of fond memories of Cherry Point and not-so fond memories of 29 "Stumps"
You'll be a bit tight getting your tranny and engine oil into 15 quarts as your engine/oil tank will dump about 9 quarts by itself. It's a heck of alot of oil, so I'd drain him in between.
I went almost entirely by the instructions of the Bently book I have. It was pretty good and JW filled in all the gaps. I read the different tranny parts of the book several times before I could understand the vocabulary and feel comfortable with tearing it down. Then, all of the sudden, the light went on and it didnt seem so daunting.
One thing I learned: if you're not sure about how something comes apart or goes together, you're about 90% sure to do it wrong. Just stop and post a question. I PMed JW several times when I got stuck. Patience is key.
You're soooo lucky you didnt drive it anymore after pulling that thrust block out. If that's out, then your snap ring is gone too on one of the gears and that is disaster waiting to happen. Good luck brother