Well, I've got my engine as far down as it's gonna get. The head is at the machine shop. They said they'll disassemble it, check for warpage, check for cracks, do a standard valve job, check the cam, resurface it and then reassemble it. Should be right around $200.
Since parts of the guide are now in the oil pan, I'm going to have to remove it to clean it out. What is the easiest way (exactly) to get the pan out? Haynes says to disconnect the pitman arm and steering, and Chilton says disconnect the differential, but neither details the procedures.
Also, I found an emission part (outside the motor) that is cracked. I took a picture of it and it can be found here:
Sorry for all the questions guys, but I really don't want to have to do this again any time soon.
TIA, Jovis