FWIW .... My '49 3804 retains its original straight axle & factory steering. I'm running a 261 with a 4.11 gear set in my rear axle. Mine is a low mileage truck and I have very little wear or play in my steering. I routinely cruise at highway speeds without any issues. Things do get a little hairy above 70 MPH but I see little purpose in going that fast in an antique truck anyway. There was this one time ... on MD 32 near Ft Meade, MD when I went across a bridge trying to keep up with Sweet on the way to Billy Marlow's. I was doing 72 Chris was probably 75 to 80. Things became a handful hitting the bridge joints and I dropped back to 65 for the rest of the trip. Sweet's truck has its original front axle, too.
Summary -- 55-65 No problem. 70 and up -- can be a handful. I don't mind cruising the right lane. In fact, I prefer it.
