Stuggling through it

Hello from California. About three years ago a friend talked me into buying a 68 cj5 with overdrive that was missing an engine and in rough shape. He had been a mechanic his whole adult life. I have zero mechanical knowledge or aptitude so I bought this project on his word we would build it. After stripping everything, straightening the frame and having it blasted and painted my "friend" disappeared. The jeep sat eating up shop space and giving the wife an excuse to harass me all year long as to it's ultimate future. Upon attempting to sell it and take the loss if need be my "friend" returned and progress again was made.

I now have a jeep with the front axle and tires on and an almost completed rear dana 44. My "friend" has left again but this time I am determined to figure this thing out. I have a completely torn down transmission and piles of parts that I know little to nothing about. I have joined in the hope that I can glean the knowledge needed to get this thing built and running.

Anyone in the Sonora area that might want to help a guy out and get another jeep on the road would be a godsend. Thanks in advance as I am sure I will have a lot of questions.

 

Thanks
Just trying to figure it out. Not a mechanic by any means but I'm determined to get this jeep built. Waiting on a dial indicator and looking at a transmission in pieces. Worst case scenario It doesn't run and I'm no worse off than I am today right?