I had the same issue, same rebuild configuration as you have.
After the first 500 miles it was much better. After 1K it now starts great.
During the first 500 miles I was a bit careful on where I parked, hoping to get a roll and bump start. I also kept the idle up a bit to prevent stalling...
I got mine through Mikes Affordable
They came from another manufacturer but the price was better through Mikes
https://www.mikes-afordable.com/category/1110N.html
I got one of these, long delivery time, but seems to work well
https://www.aliexpress.com/i/32926063758.html
Add one of these for 6 to 12V boost
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32247594182.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000023.27.388c3d4db2H6IG
I've always had good results from Mike's. If they don't have all of the order they always call and let me know, and ask if I want to wait or ship what they have. Sometimes the extra shipment is charged shipping but mostly not.
I just had mine in and out a half dozen times, fitting the rod to the bushing and securing the loose upper cap to the rod. No issues at all with sliding the rod back through the oil tube through the steering gear
About 6 years back I scrapped 6 thin wrenches used just for this purpose.
Thought I was all done working on things that needed them.
Last December I acquired an A....
Wishing I had kept all of the stuff I then scrapped