Anyone use a steering quickener?

Here is what I can tell you. I have 2 inch tube headers and installed them on a 71 Duster with the 71 steering link. I had to cut and move the one tube because the pitman and idler fastener nut were on the top. After I cut the header my son noticed that if we would have used the 73 and newer steering link they would have fit with no problem. Close but would clear.

Also one thing to consider is that the AAR and T/A cars were available with extended power steering arms and will work with the later 73-76 steering link. You can weld the arms or put them in a press and bend them if they are close. If I was doing your car I would use this advise and make things work. Do not rely on that cheap steering quickener under the dash. You'll turn your column into a spear and also make it unreliably dangerous.

The one picture below you can see the difference in the steering links. The straighter bar is the 73-76 style. As you can see the attachment points are moved down. The center of the bar is the same distance from the pan when installed. I remember the early cars always having problems with the steering hitting the exhaust. They changed it over in 73. Also eliminates some bump steer.

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Have you put a longer T/A pitman arm on a 73-76 centerlink or 68-72 centerlink ?

Major interference. You will be doing a lot of bending. And the pitman will have to be bent down the same amount.

Bending pitman and idler that much will surely change bump steer. So you’ll have to measure that when done. Heeting up the arms might weaken them if not done properly.

I understand the issue of not having a slip joint in a steering column. I’m not sure if the Hotchkis Challenger modified the OE slip joint, eliminated it, or used aftermarket.

E-bodies do have a collapsible can on the steering column, but that doesn’t fully replace slip joint.

Here’s some aftermarket telescoping columns:
Sweet Mfg. 405-10325 Collapsible Steering Column, 32 - 42 Inch

JEGS 607102: Telescoping Double "D" Steering Shaft 3/4 in.-DD x 1 in.DD x 26 in. Long | JEGS