Steve, I have an F1 or F100 steering box in my '27 and am installing one in my '39 Dodge too. Not sure how they are in a heavier truck like yours, but in my roadster it is like power steering. Parts are available to rebuild them too, but somewhat on the pricey side, especially parts like the sector shaft. Usually just cleaning the internals up and new seals will do the trick though.

Glad to see you starting a thread on this build.........it's gonna be fun for you and for us.

Don