Old Sub-
I did read all the threads and saw the link and discussions regarding the NoLimitEngineering kit.
http://www.nolimit.net/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=61 I also read the comments from several people mentioning that they had added rack and pinion to old rods they didn't have any more, or had friends who put rack and pinions in their rods 20+ years ago and havn't had a problem since.
No one said they'd done it to an AD truck. No one said which rack they used or what they did to deal with the Ackerman issue, or if there is one.
http://www.nationaltbucketalliance.com/tech_info/chassis/ackerman/Ackerman.asp Some people commented that the Nolimit kit didn't look convincing, that the article discussing it mentioned that it didn't work so the authors actually used something different, etc...
Since I'm no expert I hoped to get some tips and input from ya'll who know to point me in the right direction so that when I figure it out myself I can avoid the pitfalls which are obvious to someone else but invisible to me right now.-
Like for example- you would need to change the steering arms because... or, a steering column slip joint at one end and borgensen joint at the base of the orignal column using a new bearing after you cut off the original steering box should get you there... or, the 19XX ABC rack would be easier to mount 'cause... or perhaps, 'when looking for a rack go for a short ratio one, like the xxx... or maybe 'you'll need a heavier duty rack given the weight of the vehicle, like the ones in the ABC trucks...
On the issue of additional unsprung weight- The R&P will weigh about 25 lbs. I think I'll have dropped 25 lbs between the centerlink, tie rod ends, drag link, and the conversion to disc brakes, modern rims, radial tires. And even if the conversion adds 5 or 10 pounds to the front end, I'll hope that won't make a noticble difference in the ride quality so much that I'll wish I had gone with a MII front clip.
