Well, my solution was to "adjust" the slot in the steering column. I decided this would be the easiest solution to my problem. I drilled a hole with the same diameter as the slot and filed the material left from the holes. This allowed for the sifter box to slide up the column allowing for clearance of the shifting arm and the manifold. I never realized the collar that attaches to the steering column has threads for adjustment. I used this to adjust the movement of the shifter. It seems to have been a simple solution that is easily covered up with the shifter box.
