Here's a snipe hunt I'm on now:
I have a '77 F-250 HiBoy pickup, 351M with a NP435 4 speed, NP 205 Xfer case,
power steering and brakes, no a/c. On my steering, between the bottom end of
the steering column and the input of my steering gear is a shaft with a
universal type joint on the column side and a ball type joint on the gear 
ide
(with a rubber boot). The universal is shot, giving me sloppy steering (4-6"
on the steering wheel of play). This universal used to be available through
Ford, now it's listed as "obsolete" (latin for go buy a new truck). The weird
part is that the WHOLE shaft assembly (both joints, shaft, etc) IS available,
for a mere $370.00 ... Now if they make the shaft assembly, why not the 
epair
parts? Answer: they either made too many or they want more of the big bucks
from those that aren't buying the new trucks.
If anyone has even an idea (other than salvage yards) of where I might
purchase a repair kit for the universal type side of this, leave a reply. It
will be greatly appreciated. If anyone has a truck with this shaft that they
are parting out (and has good parts on it) I'd gladly pay them $30 plus
shipping for the entire shaft. I've seen three in local yards here for $25 
ut
they aren't much better. I may try tearing the one apart I have and building
my own bushings if I don't come up with a viable, reasonable solution.
- Pedit Ver 2.6
Russ Blakeman, SysOp Extraodinaire
Blue Moon of Kentucky BBS/Harned, KY 40144
FidoNet 1:2450/500   VETLink #96 19:201/400  BBS/Fax (502) 756-6991
...A hen tomorrow is more valuable than an egg today.
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