Hello Russ!
Russ Blakeman wrote in a message to All:
 RB> 
PID: ProBoard 2.15 Sr
 RB> Here's a snipe hunt I'm on now:
 RB> I have a '77 F-250 HiBoy pickup, 351M with a NP435 4 speed,
 RB> NP 205 Xfer case, power steering and brakes, no a/c. On my
 RB> steering, between the bottom end of the steering column and
 RB> the input of my steering gear is a shaft with a universal
 RB> type joint on the column side and a ball type joint on the
 RB> gear side (with a rubber boot). The universal is shot,
 RB> giving me sloppy steering (4-6" on the steering wheel of
 RB> play). This universal used to be available through Ford, now
 RB> it's listed as "obsolete" (latin for go buy a new truck).
 RB> The weird part is that the WHOLE shaft assembly (both
 RB> joints, shaft, etc) IS available, for a mere $370.00 ... Now
 RB> if they make the shaft assembly, why not the repair parts?
 RB> Answer: they either made too many or they want more of the
 RB> big bucks from those that aren't buying the new trucks.
 RB> If anyone has even an idea (other than salvage yards) of
 RB> where I might purchase a repair kit for the universal type
 RB> side of this, leave a reply. It will be greatly appreciated.
 RB> If anyone has a truck with this shaft that they are parting
 RB> out (and has good parts on it) I'd gladly pay them $30 plus
 RB> shipping for the entire shaft. I've seen three in local
 RB> yards here for $25 but they aren't much better. I may try
 RB> tearing the one apart I have and building my own bushings if
 RB> I don't come up with a viable, reasonable solution. 
Just few ideas ------
   Got an Navistar dealer (IHC--International Harverster) as they used a lot 
of
u-joints in thier steering systems.  Also you may want to try going to Farm
tractor dealers as those people also used many differnent type of U-joints in
farm tractors.  Infact I beleive GM used some also in the bread vans as we
called them in service (USAF) IE the square cube vans and such, so that is a
start in your quest.
   PS. spent 4 years there in Chanute 1963-67.  Also went back several times 
for
schooling as I managed to do 30 years all together 4 active 26 in WIS-Air 
Guard.
I drove through there this spring and you wouldn't believe it. NO fences, 
guard
shacks most all of the mounted birds are gone and of all things they cut a 
road
around on the back ro south side where the housing was.  If you spent any 
ime
there drive back some time just to see the changes.
Good Bye & Good Luck,
           Dave Blum
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