I think you are right on track. Rebuild it to 1959 standards with all new brake components and do the kingpins and get the front end in original shape, and you'll be very pleasantly surprised. That truck WILL steer great. And as far as I know, 18 wheelers haven't gone to disc brakes yet. So drums haven't been totally relegated to history. If they are done RIGHT-no problems whatsoever. Steering box needs to be correct or it will contribute to poor ride quality. New shocks are an easy upgrade.
Remember, the magazines run on advertising. And advertising runs on sales(and vice versa) Just because you read that discs brakes are the only way to go, a thousand times, doesn't make it so. So save your money and trust your instincts. Build it properly but inexpensively and you'll actually be driving it.
