Yeah I think it is just the gasket on the trans. As for the ball joints the guy used a pry bar and lifted them and that is why he said they where bad, I don't know how to check them so I am not sure. But can all this just go bad at one time? That is what is really getting me I really don't know if this guy is just trying to get me or what but he did give me a good price for everything he said needs to be done. I never had any noise either til after I had him look at it now it is making all kinds of noise. But sounds like my u-joints are making the noise again.
As for how it handles it pulls to one side, has been since I got it that is why I took it in to have it looked at. I never would have thought ball joints but that is what I was told.
I have taken it to 4 diff. places now and everyone says more then the other so I don't know what to think. The first one I took it too said the ball joints were loose but it was fine, the next one said nothing about the ball joints but said the idler arm was bad, then the one after that said ball joints where loose not a prob but the pitman arm was bad, and now this one says the ball joints, idler arm, pitman arm and tie rods are bad, I know the u- joints are but the rest I jut don't know after being told so many htings I really don't know. But i don't drive now either cause that could be a prob. if all this is bad.