I was looking for a tranny to replace the one in my 83GS and i found out that an SE one will fit and I found one for $75. its got 180k on it. the original owner had this to say about it to the current owner...

"It has a funky sounding throwout bearing I think.
(clutch) when it idles sometimes it makes a rattle
sound (that goes away when u push the clutch in) I
was told that that can cause the input shaft bearing
on the trans to wear prematurely. I also suggest
(from the milaege) replacing the front seal in the
transmission. I never dropped the trans so I dont
think it was leaking. When I replaced all the fluids
(trans/dif) I saw signs of a leak but wasnt sure
because the fluids were at a good level when I drained
them (the trans was full but the fluid was old and
stinky). I think that trans will last a long time If
you just check the front seal once you drop it. The
leak is the oil cooler I believe, and the one I gave
you with the car doesnt leak. It may even be just the
old oil cooler has bad crush washers. Either way just
check it. I think the trans was good, it always
shifted fine, not grinding or heat or wierd noise. "

seems to me that it isnt leaking cause the level was full so the leak was from something else (possibly oil cooler like he said). it looks like the only problem is the throwout bearing. is it true what he said about the input shaft bearing going bad from a worn throwout bearing? regardless of what tranny i buy i plan on replacing the front and rear seal, the front cover, and the throwout bearing anyway. what do u guys think, good purchase? TIA

 

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An oscillating sound at idle that goes away when the clutch is depressed is typically the sign of high mileage wear of the input shaft bearing. Those do not go bad because of a bad throwout bearing since they operate independantly. Usually only rebuilds fix bearing noises.

Trans fluid has a strong distinct smell over motor oil... youll know if the tranny is leaking upon inspection when its removed from the car. And if it is already out, you wont know if any of the synchros are bad or if it grinds when shifting.

If this tranny is your only option and $75 wont break your wallet, then it doesnt sound all that bad... I cant be all that certain since Im not looking at it myself simply do as you said, replace the seals, shifter bushings and its always good practice to replace the throwout bearing and pilot bearing while the tranny is out. Install and top it off with a good synthetic gear lube then enjoy your 7.