Hot Rods Steering options

I've got a 1941 Buick fastback that I'm ready to start giving my attention. It's got the OEM straight 8 right now but I'm going 425 nailhead and possibly 4 speed. The steering box is in an awful spot and clearance will be a pain. I planned on using stock but improved front suspension so I'm wondering if there are any simple options for making more room?

 

If you want to retain OEM geometry box needs to stay in the that location. Either that or an OT R&P setup. A friend used a Daewoo (Lanos?) R&P on his 47 Olds as it uses a centre steer ***embly. He fabricated a new centre link from heavy 1/2" flat bar that was drilled and reamed to suit OEM inner tie rods. His set up maintained OEM geometry and p***ed engineering. The car drives, stops and steers well as he upgraded original spindles by adding later disc brakes.
He also had to shorten his column, add a lower support bearing plus use an intermediate shaft with 3/4DD universals. The Daewoo R&P input shaft is 17DD. Insofar as shocks were concerned he drained most of the oil from his, similar to yours and leaving some for lubrication purposes and added telescopic shock absorbers after fabricating frame and control arm mounts.

 

The Daewoo setup is the same as the GM J series cars such as Cavalier and Sunbird.

 

Possibly later aftermarket GM gear box?

 

One possible problem is that the nailhead starter is on the left side and probably real close to the steering gear. I solved that problem on my Model A with a Steer Clear unit.