truck engine/trany needs thrust bearing

[welding rod]

I have a 47 ft motorsailer. I have a ford f-250 with 6.9 l diesel and manual tran. I plan to put engine and trans in boat. Engine rated 175hp@3800rpm. I will use about 80 hp@2200rpm. Keel cooling, dry exhaust, heavy duty marine alternator. standard shaft/prop installation. Reason, old mercedes engine, ie expensive hard to get parts.$500 water pump! $40 for ford. PYI has thrust bearings,to expensive. Bearing suppliers have dual acting thrust bearings,just like PYI uses $2-300. I need good ideas on simple ways to mount bearing between flange on end of prop shaft and transmission.
I understand a marine engine/tran is a better solution. This way will cost about $1500. I have all materials on hand except bearing and shaft. Boat is steel so mounting bearing securely is not a problem.

[FAST FRED]

The folks that sell a system for using 2 MB front wheel drives (fancier than 2 universals) sell the thrust beaings in a variety of shaft sizes.

Unfortunatly I cant remember the Co name , although I have their product installed with great (nice& Quiet!) results.

FAST FRED