FYI on steering boxes, the '41 is the same design as the '42-'46 only the roller balls change size so the cage nut and worn shaft do not interchange. Good news is, 1/2 to 1 1/2 trucks all used the same gear box, the steering shaft is longer on the bigger trucks, but since you are cutting it anyway it doesn't matter. New worm and cage nuts are available if needed. Be sure to check the lower bearing race for water damage, the steering shaft is not sealed, so any water that goes down the steering tube lands right at the lower bearing.
Thanks for the tips on the steering box. As for the shims, just to be sure I'm understanding this clearly, you are using the shims to achieve negative caster? In other words, the thick part of the shims are toward the rear of the truck? Or are you giving the truck more positive caster, with the thick part of the shims toward the front?
My understanding is that negative caster will give a lighter steering wheel, but at the expense of straight tracking and stability. Positive caster will do the opposite. Heavier steering (which doesn't matter with power steering) but better straight line tracking, and better steering wheel return coming out of turns.
Do I have this correct?
