Is this bent? Looks to me like the flat rectangular arm from the main linkage shaft (that connects to the steering column link) is slightly bent...not sure if this is by design...I have no other reference to determine.

yes, it's bent

Looks like it needs to be straight. I found this picture when I was mocking up all the pieces to see if I was missing anything. Not the best detail shot but it does appear that the part is straight. Hope this helps.

Jim
68 Hemi Road Runner

Mine has the exact same offset.

I just went out to the garage to verify what I had and mine is perfectly straight. With the bend or offset your bracket has, it will make the clearance from the shifter rod (that mounts inboard of the shaft arm) to the exhaust pipe really close. On my car the straight shaft arm only gives me about .5" from the shifter rod to the pipe. I know the exhaust is different between the Hemi and RB but I think that the exhaust pipe run is similar in that area under the car.

Jim