I think the newer cars won't need the Heim joint as the outer shaft support tube extends to 5 or so inches from the upper universal. Ref Fred's #2 & #4 pic above.
My early car the outer support tube terminates approx 18" from the upper universal. I did slide the new Splined (cut to 21") shaft up past the Outer support shaft mount.
Shot of my upper support tube and the skinny inner steering shaft hanging in space.
