Thoughts/do I need to dent my new headers, new pics ?

With the loose tolerances these cars were built around, no way is anyone guaranteeing a set of headers will fit all the time.

The steering gear is 1973+, you can tell the centerlink is 73+ from the pitman/tie rod end orientation.

Try what I suggested before spending time on the phone.
That's what I thought. Thanks for the confirmation.