Though I would revise this post. Havent had a chance to work on the truck since the move, however still looking for a really short steering rack. Anyone with a Ford Explorer and a tape measure. Read on the HAMB that an explorer rack may work, however no one has dimensions yet.
I still have to figure out where to mount the power steering pump as well. The downside is that the small diesel I have is running out of room to put accessories.
I could go manual rack, however I then have to go to manual brakes. I would like to get good fuel economy so I am thinking electric power steering pump from a Toyota MR2. That would solve two problems.