JJsKJ wrote:
How much can that front rack handle though? I have seen them go out on mildly lifted, wheeled KJ's. Add in 35's and harder wheeling trying to turn a tire that is wedged amongst big rocks and i would be afraid of it grenading.
The Rack & Pinion is a stronger unit imo. I''ve worked for a Steering & Suspension Specialist Fulcrum, for many years and seen some pretty rank things in the steering remanufacturing division. When Steering boxes ie: Saginaw ect (like nearly all Jeeps) go 'pop' they actually BREAK internally. The worm shaft & key are the ones that physically snap in 2 or 3 bits as they are quite small. I've NEVER seen a steering rack break internally or externally for that matter, even though they have a cast alloy body, but we did have the odd accident smash quote job that would have a bent main shaft in it - but hell, you should see the frigen car !! The impact would have been horrendous !!!
They only thing that usually goes bad with rack & pinion are the seals blowing, or the rack ends (tie rods as some people call them, but they are not - they are rack ends! lol!) floggin out, something that i'll be keeping an eye on with my KJ
Also something else to consider, that rack is used in many American automotive applications, bigger Dodge's ect. They dont have trouble with them ?
One other little piece of Stu's useless information
The KJ's rack was used in the Left to Right Hand Drive Conversion for the Dodge Vipers here in Australia !! It fit perfectly and the ratio's were spot on !! lol!! (I used to sell the Vipers when Chrysler Jeep bought a few in during late 02 early 03
) !!!
In Summary:
It'll be fine
!!