I did a pre-purchase inspection of a 1954 resto-rod truck that had a similar setup, IFS, rack & pinion, small block V8, headers, etc. It was headed for a purchaser in Europe, at an outrageously expensive price. (Over $60K IIRC) The way they had to route the steering shaft around the headers resulted in a tight spot in the steering every 1/4 turn of the steering wheel when one of the U joints got into a bind. I reported on that little gremlin, and I never heard if the problem got corrected or the sale got cancelled. In my opinion, it was an unsafe installation, no matter how slick the truck looked from the outside.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!