Seems you have a couple of different problems and you'll want to tackle them separately.

First, for the transmission, make sure it has the proper type and amount of fluid in it. The wrong oil can cause grinding. The FSM calls for Hypoid gear oil GL-4 or higher, 80w or 75w-85w. Use a quality oil...I've heard the redline gear oil helps with synchro clash. Also, you mention some troubles with the clutch. It's a hydraulic clutch and if it's not working properly may also cause grinding. Make sure the clutch master cylinder has the proper amount of brake fluid in the reservoir. You may need to have the system bled or possibly need a new slave cylinder or something. With the engine idling, can you depress the clutch and move through the gears without it grinding while sitting still?

The 2.6L doesn't like to run hot so best to nip this one in the bud right away. I'd probably start with having the radiator checked by a radiator shop. Maybe they can boil and/or rod the radiator. Make sure the radiator cap is in good condition (the pressure it creates in the system raises the boiling temp) and that you have a good 50/50 mix of anti-freeze/water. When was the water pump last replaced? How about the fan clutch? All of these things can affect how hot or cool the engine runs. One last thing, the thermostat on these engines have a bleed hole in them and they have to point in a certain direction when installed. This helps bleed trapped air out of the system (and trapped air will also make it run hot). I always fill the system slowly and run it with the cap off until the thermostat is wide open and coolant is circulating before topping it all the way off and installing the cap.

The dash lights problem will be a little trickier to track down. It may be as simple as replacing the headlight switch or a relay has gone bad. According to the FSM, the lighting relay is located under the hood, right behind the drivers headlight. Try just unplugging it and see if the dash lights turn off. By the same token, you can unplug the light switch and see if that powers off the relay. One or the other is holding the dash (and I assume the exterior running lights) on.

Hopefully that will get you started on getting her back on the road. Good luck! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />