67 Only Steering and K-frame Questions

Looking to swap my 67 K-frame so I can change out to a manual steering box and avoid the one year only parts. I was looking at a spool type 73 k-frame, but I just wanted to check some things before I do it. I just redid most of the front end for a disc brake swap so I'm hoping to keep what I can.

When you install a 73 k-frame, can you fit 68 model year: manual steering box, pitman, and idler? Does my centerlink need to change when I change the idler/pitman?

Why bother. Just swap to a manual box. No gain except the 67 Idler you replace every 100K.