Idler arm gouging headpipes

I have an early a and had an idler arm rub even with the Dougs headers. What helped to minimize it was I hooked up the exhaust system and loosened the header bolts at the heads. Then I GENTLY jacked up the whole exhaust system, headers and all. I believe I gained 1/4" and the idler arm rub was minimal. Just something that worked on mine.