I read some prior discussions here on the stovebolt forum before posting this yesterday. It seems many jump in and predict a horrible death from R&P on a straight axle, but the reasons why are not discussed. I would like to understand the "why".
So far, there have been three negative items mentioned...
1) He saw one on a truck that was done "Mickey Mouse". I have seen some IFS jobs on vintage trucks that could be described the same way. Do it right or don't do it.
2) "questionable steering column that has to telescope and flex with the suspension" To me, this is the major drawback to R&P on a straight axle. The rack has to be mounted on the axle for it to work, so the steering shaft has to be able to move with the axle. But it's not something that I feel cannot be worked out to be reliable and safe. There are drivelines on all sorts of agricultural equipment that telescope and flex while running at 540rpm all day every day...as long as it is kept greased.
3) "add unsprung weight to the axle" So you remove the tie rod and add a rack. Considering the total weight of tires, rims, rotors, calipers, axle...is the net increase in unsprung weight really that much?
I am curious what others thing about this. Please jump in.
Tim
