On the 54-5 Willys cars with the 226, the accelerator bracket is NOT at a 90 degree angle. The pictured car is a 51K and the intake manifold is taller where the carb rests so, on that year, the bracket is square to the head. On the 54-5 W cars, it is slightly bent towards the carb and the rod does slant down to the carb a bit.
The detent rod rubbing is a common problem and is due to wear at every attachment point. I got lucky and found and NOS set up and it fits without interfering with anything nearby.
If I can find a clear photo of the setup on my 54W Aero Eagle Custom, I'll post it.