Sounds like you just need to start fixing things one problem at a time. The shocks and the brakes are not that big of a deal or at least not like rebuilding an engine or tranny. If you can't do them yourself there are lots of guys and mechanics doing work like this on the side just ask around. About the tranny, don't spend a lot of money on it yet. There is a good chance this is a low voltage problem. See this post http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...mp;amp;sb=5&o=31&fpart=1
You can search the site and you'll find many other posts on this as well.

91 LS Trooper 3.4 w/225k
BillWhitbeck@grovesigncompany.com