Dirty Engine/Trans means overhaul?

[pocketrocket]

Can anyone tell me how I could go about checking the engine/trans for my 71 SB 'vert? The engine was out of the car when I bought it but was told it was running when it came out with "49k" on the speedo. The only oil I see on the engine is below the oil filler neck so it may be alright but how do I know? The trans has some oil on it but not covered. Can the seals/gaskets be replaced? How can I tell if the trans is ok? ANYONE that can give a lending hand would be grealy appreciated! This 8 year project is just taking too long!

[NO_H2O]

As far as checking the trans without driving it, select each gear and turn the input shaft to see that the output flanges turn and that there is not alot of slop(backlash) in each gear and that it shifts smooth and positive. If the car is up on jack-stands it will make it eazy. A few seals can be changed with the trans insalled. Even with all this checked and no trouble found, it can still not check good when you drive it but you might catch something before you insall the engine.