Thank you all. Some very good ideas and advice. I think the first thing is getting everything on level ground and then see how far off alignment it really is. I haven't spoken to a John Deere rep yet, but I know that the 2040 tractor was set up with about five different loaders over the years that it was in production and the 143 was one of the loader assemblies they used with it. In any case, I attempted last night to remove the paint around where the model numbers are located at the bottom of the loaders vertical support. Definitely three numbers, but using light sand and paint remover, I was only able to expose what's left of the middle number which is definitely a 4. It would be cheaper to try and save the bucket if I can and it's true that it might be close to impossible to replace it unless I get lucky and find one on craigslist or sitting in the yard at a tractor supply store. In any case, I have learned more than I knew a week ago and I have a few options.