Off the wall steering question

[Rollingmenace]

Ok here goes stripping the invader 340 chassis to start on my mod build for next seasons races...
It’s a 78 also my intruder is a 78.
I’ve noticed the steering stem has a hump in it that extends back toward the fuel tank... my guess is to clear something while turning..  my 80 invader has a straight stem .. what gives here I would assume the chassis and components related should be nearly identical.. any insight as to the difference.. also should the straight stem be a direct bolt in part across the years if clearance isn’t an issue???

[mswyka]

I am interested to hear what others say, but as near as I can tell, all of my steering shafts for all years are identical.  The bend is required to clear the airbox.