well, that was the easiest $120 i ever saved to myself.
took around 10 minutes for a rookie job
stealership quated $220
part was $101 after tax
piece has 2 bolts that hold it in place, and 2 couplings. one is like a finger, goes into steering column, right under the dashbord. did not have to remove any pedals, access was nice and easy even for my 6'5 frame. 15mm socket.
2nd bolt secures this shaft to lower intermediate steering shaft inside engine bay.
it was easier to pull shaft into passenger compartment, cardane joint won't let it go out into engine bay through bellow anyway.
i have not noticed any difference between the two parts. none. hopefully i got "improved" version.
so far, clunk is gone.
will get my hands on steering componentry tomorrow. i have now to take care of very scary sidewise shake that happens time to time. nice to have longer weekend.
i am still wondering how flimsy that piece is for such a large vehicle.