I've got mechanical skills and there are a lot of good how-to videos out there. So I tipped the unit back - I was able to easily turn the bottom pulley in the direction that spins the agitatior. But the other direction that would rotate the tub during spin would not rotate. Eventually I was able to get it to turn - still pretty stiff - but it started working ...... for about a week or so. 

So this weekend the same issue again - same issue on the bottom pulley. So it seems to me that either the brake unit is messed up or a bearing is shot. But I'm  really just guessing. With the wife in school our budget is super tight. Not sure whether to pursue repairs or pick up a used machine. At 17yrs old it could be a lost cause.

Thanks for your comments