When Richie said his machine stopped on the 1st through 2nd gear change it made me think the brake shoes are not backed off sufficiently from the initial adjustment procedure. Although the good book instructs to back off the adjuster cone four clicks from the 80 lb torque used when setting up the linkage, you may find this is not sufficient to prevent excessive brake drag. You must adjust the number of turns in order to acquire the brake being full on when the steering wheel is rotated to 162-168. HOWEVER, see the bottom of page 71 in the AOP instructions.
Remember Richie is not using asbestos linings as called for in the original manuals. Some new ground being covered here. The drums should be able to turn by hand without binding, somewhere along the way there is a comment about slight drag.
The parking brake should be full on at four stops on the ratchet. That could give an indication of how much brake pedal movement can be expected.
Leaving the track off, you can check for drag once you have dialed out the four clicks. Using all caution to prevent your fingers being caught by the scraper or scraper bracket, turn the drum by hand. Have someone operate the steering and brake to see that the shoes are properly expanding while you turn each drum by hand,
but also retracting when the steering or brake is released... 
The issue of the shoes not retracting was partially addressed with the Windsor carrier steering, where the long rods are fitted in the forward compartment with strong coil style return springs.
Points that should not be dismissed:
The British manual and Canadian manual show different ways to adjust the steering linkage. I believe Lynn mentioned a benefit in reading both manuals.
plungers properly handed and lubricated. It is quite easy to miss this requirement, as they will assemble without any indication of error.
the ability of the actuator housings to float,
long rod clevis installed on inside hole Which is inconsistent with the AOP manual ...
A common fault on the Canadian Ross steering box is a worn rocker shaft pin creating end play. As the Ross gear does not allow for the pin to be replaced, not too many current owners are repairing damaged pins or fitting new rocker shafts. Wear on the pin can allow the wheel to rotate a considerable distance left and right before the worm/cam shaft is engaged.
Using the adjuster gauges was helpful for me. Very helpful.
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