I did mine about 5 years ago seams like there was a o ring and small cork gasket in there. It might have been two o rings. Those parats above from ebay is what you need.
You guys don't clean your house and garage that well. Graphite is best I grease mine every ten years or so just for ***** and giggles its like a ten minute job. Maybe 15 minutes if your over 200 lb. I also have mine off my 67 barracuda, 61 inches long and it screws on both ends.
With 350hp and a boy who wants to be the burn out king Ide be real concerned about the 7 1/4. Do your self a big favor and replace it now. You said about keeping it stock but the 350hp isn't stock. Just saying [youll be sorry]
If you didn't lube your cable your spinning your wheels, these old cable need lubed. Everyone has different ideas on what to lube it with, but you will have to pull the inner cable out and lube it, generasly.
I love it. FOR PU ONLY and someones a couple hrs away, will you ship? This is nuts spend 40 for gas instead of shipping and have a good time while doing it.