Tires make a big diff, air pressure =big diff, greased chassis =big diff, warm weather =big difference, usage loosens steering/suspension up, steering box adjustment and grease change =big diff. Your arms get used to it after awhile, smaller diameter than stock steering wheel =harder to steer. Power steering is really nice, I admit. But... These trucks were designed to be steered by average people. The large diameter steering wheel (long lever arm) and the gear box ratio and general geometry worked just fine. No one noticed any problems with steering back then.
