Bought this ‘75 shortbed D100 from a wrecking yard back in the early 90’s and drove it as a beater for many years. Then, a few years ago, my son and I decided to give it a new lease on life...
I ran the same red top for 10 years. When it got tired I replaced it with a Odyssey 25-PC1400T - also an AGM. It's definitely got more meat on its bones.
The white bushing is typically between the outer jacket and shift tube (visible in the OP's pic. Retainer clip is also visible). The shift tube rotates within the bushing. There may not be anything between the shift tube and steering shaft at the bottom and that could be considered 'normal'.
There’s little to no clamping force between the cover and pan out on the corners. So the cover flange definitely needs to be straight and flat. You might get lucky getting the cover back on over the dowel pins and get a good seal between cover and oil pan with the old gasket. You might not...
Though less than ideal, I’m forced to run a pusher. SPAL fans are known for actually moving their advertised cfm.
For me, a 16” (30102047) has worked. Had to modify the hood latch/grille brace for fitment. Not quiet though. A1 Electric Online Catalog -- Spal Cooling Fans and Accessories
Unless...
The hole where the hinge attaches through the glass is fairly large.Try loosening the screw and pushing the hinge as far forward as you can while tightening the screw. I found it created tension that helps hold the window more securely in the open and closed positions.