[thingstodo]

Fine. I can find a larger socket that will not fail, and will use the 1/2 drive directly. After a short search I found a 1/2 inch impact socket ... that should not fail. The impact ratchet puts out over 150 foot-lb of torque. Picture 1 shows the new socket, and the ratchet etc without the 3/8 to 1/2 adapter.

Picture 2 shows them assembled with tuck tape again.

As I put some pressure on the ratchet (via the 1 inch square tubing) the truck began to roll up the ramp, then stopped but the ratchet kept turning ... the 3/8 to 3/8 ready rod coupler started to twist - see picture 3. This is just getting ANNOYING!