2nd try? On the cheap friendly comp?

It's easier to swap a valve body than to install a shift kit... just my personal observation. T/A Valve bodies can be had for $100-125 on the used front. Pretty darn cheap and that's almost on par with a TF2 or 3 kit plus install time if you ask me..

Don't you have to remove the valve body to install a shift kit? Hmmmmm

Am I limited on spending money on "THE" most important driveline part of this exercise?

My suggestion, STOP DENEGRATING PEOPLE because they ask a question or suggest an alternative. Whip that horse and it won't walk anymore!

Have fun with this I'm out.