I learned to drive in an old F-350 with a 460 and a ZF-5... My parents bought it new and still have it (still use it to haul hay). Over here in Iraq, I have a little Mitsubishi pickup with a 2.2L turbo diesel and a 5 speed. My old boss had no idea how to drive a stick, so I got the vehicle whenever I wanted. I remember watching him try to drive one time and almost burnt up the clutch before he realized the e-brake was still on!
I just had to share my anecdotal story... Manuals rule! My wife loves to hop in and grab...the shifter...haha

 

Can't speak from experience using this product but have seen other threads on manual steer and the upgrade to a roller idler was stated to help in addition to other tips mentioned here as it eliminates some bind:
http://www.opentrackerracingproducts.com/idlerarm/

Everything that I have bought from John has been top notch and worked as advertised, heck of nice guy and happy to answer questions.
Jon