The factory coupler isn't really there for that. It's there to account for chassis flex in the system not poor engineering.
I wouldn't call is "poor engineering".
If what you are saying is true, the shaft would not have any ability to rotate in the coupler, it would be a solid sliding part. I agree the factory installations all appear straight, but I bet they are not if they were measured accurately. The fact of the matter is the new box is narrower between the shafts center to center than the OE box. The way I see it you have a couple choices. Stay in the dark ages being the only make with 60 year old steering, use the new box and get over that visual part of the angle that doesn't present any operational malfunction or design, market and engineering something better. I'm all ears!
And what do you reccommend I do with $500 worth of headers that no longer fit?
