Step 2, dont stop looking, and find another one. Done. It's a BT and for just another $20 for this specimen (and it works fine), I am:
1. Up and running in no time at all
2. Have a project for those times I have less than 12 projects running concurrently
3. Quite pleased these are both 2.5 tonners
The YouTubes I have viewed, reveal even a 5th grader can rebuild these. While there tons (get it? humor?) of similarities between pallet and bottle jacks, these lack a top nut. That dang shaft just pulls out!
Case closed. I may be oldnslo, but I am a happy camper at the same time!