It wasn't a blown gasket after all!
Turns out that the radiator was clogged. So they flushed it and checked all the hoses and should be working again. I know from several threads on LROF that this "fix" is somewhat tricky given the characteristics of our radiators, so I'm on the watch.
The mechanic also found that the viscous coupling on the fan had failed. Given the expense and complexity of fixing or replacing this stock setup, he made a solid conection - now the Beast sounds like a Cessna on take off when the RPMs are anywhere above 1,700. It's tough to get used to, and I may try some of the other solutions that have been posted.
The wire harness going into the VSS on the transfer case had been, in fact, the short that caused my instrument panel to freeze - that's fixed now (important if I want to monitor the radiator's performance). I still haven't checked the performance of my backing up light sensor.
The grease packings on both the propellor shafts and U-joints are in fact jammed and will require disassembly and cleaning. They checked the levels/condition on all the fluids, adding some to the transfer case (pretend that you're surprised: it leaks!). I'm pretty upset at my previous mech for not catching something so basic. But then, that's why he doesn't have my business anymore...
I have a note on my service order that the power steering pump is leaking, the fuel pump is on the fritz, and the "ralenti actuator" needs replacing (that's what they call the idle air bypass valve that is being shipped as I type).
Total damage, parts and labor: USD 156.40
Lime/tequila smoothies again tonight! (It would have been much sooner if I didn't have this mega report to turn in tomorrow)
Funny, sad, mad, or happy, those tequila smoothies always work!
