Rugg is out of business, but you can still find pieces laying about...
So you could concievably put on newer (or older) parts, used of course, to compleate machine...
Might have to do a litle looking and waiting...but they are out there...
Far as steering flex goes, there should be a 3/16" x 1 1/4" flat bar supporting the rear of the hood....It goes up from frame, ties to bearing plate (upper steering rod support) and back down to frame...
Between that and the lower "triangle" bushing plate on frame front, steering rod/wheel was quite solidly mounted....
Do you have all the parts that go with the hood/rod asembly...?