Here's my 2-cents: I, too, have a stock 59 Apache with a 4-speed and six cylinder. With the stock steering wheel and bias ply tires, I haven't had any difficulty with the steering and haven't considered adding power steering.
As for the seat, I'm glad I have the original one. It's got quite a bit of spring and absorbs some of the bumps, almost making it part of the suspension. With the solid front axle, you may find 88-98 seats a bit firm.
Bob
