The neighbor's kid has a '78 F100 with a broken adapter that joins the steering column with the box. The stock part is cloth, not sure what to call it, I have a picture if clearification is needed. He has 35" tires so the stock part is overstressed.

Who has a replacement part that is metal or stronger?

PM me please with direction, appreciate it!

The piece you are thinking of is the Rag joint, should be available at any joe blow parts store.

thanks, i drive a land rover, so i am not used to finding such parts at the local parts counter

As mentioned, the part is a rag joint...

There are several replacement units out there that do away with the rag joint, the main on that comes to mind is Borgeson (sp?). It is a replacement shaft that uses a small u-joint rather than the rubber disk.