Final Update: If you find yourself in the same situation as me the below might help.....
the steering box sector (pitman) shaft was bad, way bad, like unusable...
Straightline Steering San Jose Ca had a few sent in but none good...so...they managed to locate a complete unit, then rebuilt/restored it to perfection, (as in zero play and butter smooth) and it installed perfectly.
I asked for the old box back to confirm fitment, upon inspection it is my conclusion (others can correct this if wrong please) that my 46 truck had a earlier 39-40 type steering box (prev owner), and Straightline located a what i think is the proper 42-46 unit. See attached photo of old & new steering boxes for reference.
Be aware the reinstall was easy except the new box being slightly wider, nothing that a socket w/hammer to dent the exhaust downpipe didnt correct.....
