Steering Linkage VS Exhaust Header

Just curious if anyone else had to modify their steering linkage for wheeling. Running a 74 CJ5 with a 304 and a ****tily redone exhaust system. The PO put in headman headers and cut the flanged joint off and welded straight pipes all the way to the rear. I've had several problems I've run into with it and as soon as possible I will rerun the exhaust. Problem right now is I have less than a half inch gap between the headers and the steering linkage and I can already see where I've rubbed the linkage on the headers with just normal street driving. Is this normal? Or when the PO put in the headers did he close the gap?

 

My Hedman Hedders lightly grazed the steering shaft, at the #1 tube.

I disconnected the steering shaft from the gearbox, swung it out of the way, then heated the tube with a torch, and hammered a flat area on the tube, for clearance.

It's tough to see, but here are a few pics...





Rich

 

Taking it you flattened the header tube on the 1st cylinder.

 

That is correct.

Rich

 

I believe mine rubs slightly every once in a while, but my headers run outside the frame also...