I am at fault for the wrong lubricant in the box Hank. I believe that I used to fill it with gear lube. It was leaking, if I remember correctly, when I bought the truck 40 years ago so I imagine it has suffered since who knows when.
Today I will order all my ball joints and rebuild kit. And thank you JimGmc for the eBay referral. I will post my progress as it goes along. Thanks again all !
Steve