Presently, hole size is such that a 1/2-13 will 'hold' or 'take', but wobbles. Not very strong and could easily strip.

One of the stud holes for the 1/2-13 x 1/2-20 double ended studs that mount the side brackets on my LU-4 is wallowed out. As I see it, I have two feasible options 1) Overbore and helicoil back to 1/2-13 2) tap case for oversize double-ended stud 17/32-13 x 1/2-20 (stud might be hard to find) Any tho...

Autozone ??
Hays 11" 1-3/8" 10 spline
Part # 49-118
Don't know if it will work for you or not.

Sorted it out.
My truck's call for FS595 24087
would now be
FS595B 24084

Thanks for the info. The reason I asked was that I dropped by Memphis Equipment earlier this week and they had never heard of 87. Their paint color chip chart did show 78.

The Mil Spec for the 708 contained so many other typos that I didn't trust it.

That's true. I paid $150 for this one. The one I got in 1962 was free.

I've overhauled them before.
Just lazy.

I put an LU-4 on my 37 in 1962 back in my search and rescue days. Have never regretted it and only broke it once. Been meaning to put on on the 708 for a looonngg time. I have a talent for procrastination. No point in rushing now.

Me too, Ray.

I wish ya'll were wrong - but, I know you're not

I've got a working LU-4, but the shift lever doesn't align with the stop holes.
I t's probably either a sprung shift fork or a worn shear pin.

Should I overhaul it, or install it as is and run it till it breaks?
(I think I already know the answer to this, but I need my willpower reinforced)

I expect they have some substantial winds up there, especially at altitude. I once crossed the Cabot Strait at 8500 feet in a Cherokee Six with 60 kt unforecast headwinds. Expect you were seeing a lot more over the prairies at the altitude you were flying. Fun times. I never did learn to enjoy looki...

Tuko, I agree with that. I've only had mine above 110 one time. Once was enough.

Jeff, +1 to No. 4.

Tuko, how fast will it go, stock gearing?

The Military Spec calls for Color #24087 of Fed Std No. 595.
Is that by any chance a typo for 24078?