Conversions & Hybrids - Alternate for stock steering u-joint????

The u-joint in the Volvo I'm working on is huge, and right where the exhaust manifold ends.

Does anyone make a replacement type of kit?

If not, is there any reason why I couldn't use a 1/2 inch universal joint?

I've read about people working around the joint, but how about something to make it smaller to work around?

Flaming River makes U joints. Im sure they have something for you.

All sorts of places sell steering joints and knuckles. Don't use socket parts. You might be driving on the same road as me some day.

Search around and lots of people post pictures of relocated steering joints.

Borgeson is the standard for street rods etc.
http://shop.ebay.com/items/steering%20u%20joint?_dmd=1&_sop=12

Yeah borgeson, flaming river, sweet, etc all make some pretty low profile joints. If you do some research, you can get them with all sorts of different splines. You may even find one that splines to your stock column.