I think I fixed the squeak tonight! It was self clearancing, but I just pulled the part and cut it down with the angle grinder and cutoff wheel.
I put new clamps on the radiator hoses...which I hope will stop/reduce my antifreeze/coolant loss.
Finished the spare tire carrier build, now it has two coats of primer on it. Tomorrow i should be able to get some paint on it.
I decided to not put on the driver's side lower control arm mount since the factory one looks to be in good condition..for now.
I may switch to the Synchromesh transmission fluid before this trip...only time will tell.
Leaky seals will continue to leak for this trip.