Alright, I'm a definite go. Welding on the sliders and putting the from drive shaft back on tonight after dinner, then heading home to start packing everything up.
Mike, FWIW, the clunking is all in the rear -- doesn't seem to be in the diff or pinion, either.. I rechecked the rear u-joints today at work, and the rears have a tiiiiny bit of slop in 'em, so I will be bringing plenty of extras just in case. I'm honestly amazed that my OEM u-joints have lasted almost 200k.
I hope I get to see some of you guys down there tomorrow. I should be somewhere up Patriot when you are coming down Indy, but going up is slower than coming down so perhaps will be close enough to say hi.