OK,
And the winner is . . . . . .
Brake return spring.
NAPA did not have, neither did either of the brake supply businesses I visited,
fortunately I found one at the antique auto ranch, came off the rear end of a 1/2 ton, so it is not quite as stiff as the 3/4 ton one, but it will do until I get the new one in the mail.
Where did I get 17 1/2 pints, I coulda swore I read that, but of course when I checked both books they said 6 pints. I must have been thinking the amount of fluid in radiator, or something.
Anyway, all attempts at locking it up anymore have failed, so I think I am good to go for now. And I found a great cab, at the auto ranch, that may just find itself a new life on my truck, come this summer.
Frank
