Universal Joint Rubbing Wear Problem

[19Fordy]

Took out a transmission today and noticed the end of the universal joint facing towards the transmission had been rubbing against the bearing race in the case and the end of the u-joint was worn down as shown in photos. The special spring washer and bolt to secure the universal joint was tight.
Any idea what could cause this rubbing and can this U-joint be reused as it "feels" tight?

Another question: the Vin # on the transmission is 99A-2078925 and the transmission case is 40-48 Ford.
Question: What vehicle did this transmission come out of originally? There is no traditional "Star" stamped before or behind the number, just a "curly Q" kind of stamping.

Also, I have another 40-48 transmission that has no VIN number opr anything else stamped on the top of the case as usually found. Could this mean that at some point in its life a new factory case was used by a dealer but, they didn't bother to stamp it with VIN number. There are no grinding marks on the cast iron. Looks totally like unaltered cast iron.


Thank you.