8 3/4 Yoke Issues, U-Bolts? Big Straps?

This is true... However that means he will need to change yokes to a 1350 (Assuming thats what he has) on any future pumpkins and if he blows a u-joint he wont be able to find one locally.
If it were me I'd just buy two of them. Still easier (and cheaper) than messing with the yoke.