I'll upload some more pictures later. I do agree with you on maintenance and repair before modifying. I will give it a more thorough inspection probably later today or tomorrow as I believe my fuel pump just crapped out on me yesterday morning when I went to go start it for work.

 

Nice rig. If the trans pan has been leaking it probably has had fluid added so changing out the pan gasket won't hurt it. Make sure pan is straight and not dimpled at the bolt holes then use blue thread lock on the bolts on install. Most pan leaks are caused by the pan bolts backing out just slightly, they do this because the bolts require minimal torque on install. Skip the shift kit on the 25 year old trans, better to leave well enough alone.