I got the front bushing removed. Took some work, but it eventually came out.
It looks to me like the person installed the Okie backwards with the oil seal in front. Realized their mistake too late - maybe even tried unsuccessfully to remove it. Gave up and instead reinstalled the front bushing (or bought a new one) and pushed the Okie back far enough that they could get the yoke on. That is why I had trouble getting the yoke back far enough to clear the transmission was because the wrong end of the okie was blocking it.
It's your call on what you want to do for now to get things back together enough to just occasionally drive the truck, but considering the damage to the torque tube and the possibility that putting it back together this way could lead to a repeat failure of the u-joint, mounting hardware, or worse, I think safe operation of the vehicle might be questionable.
Best to consider the safety of not just yourself but others on the road as well.
I respect your opinion Dan and I'll keep this in mind. I will say that even with the split in the top, that torque tube is very robust. I couldn't bend it in any way despite my best efforts. I would think if I can get the new okie (which seem pretty solid) installed properly I should be okay. But, yes, I don't know. I also have no idea how long it has been in the current condition.
My next hurdle is seeing if I can get the old okie out. And, ultimately, giving up and trying to find a used torque tube per Dan's suggestion. I don't know how much work that would involve but it may come to that.
