K-Member / Rack & Pinion Steering Suggestions
Maybe I misinterpreted DionR. I was thinking he wanted the newer spindle because of brake availability, possibly what is "used" out there. Just my guess /assumption.
72 bluNblu is correct.....but the point (from the customers / builders) of all rack and pinion / coil over conversions are.
1) room not only for headers clearance but larger engine applications
2) weight savings
3) compact modern rack and pinion steering
geometry rarely comes up, it is more about the ease of achieving increased caster (6 degrees positive, piece of cake), the ability to add crazy camber (auto X) and of course hub to hub width. HDK's exclusive, time proven (now 25 years / zero failures) upper shock mount / chromoly support allows for not only a longer shock / spring combination, but a narrow hub to hub. Adjustable ends on all control arms make it possible to not only fit off the shelf rims, but specialty wheels a customer might already own.
As far as turning radius....HDK uses out of the box spindles, so turning radius is not compromised as with those that modify / lengthen the steering arm.
I own both OEM (with HDK tubular uppers) and HDK personal Dusters and drive them back to back. Both have power steering, sway bars and fresh components with the same alignment specs (6 degrees positive caster / .25 degree negative camber on pass side / .50 negative camber on the driver side / 1/8" total toe. All specs with added 3/4" front ride height . While I have no problem with torsion bars vs coil springs except they are in the way, I still like the precise steering of the rack and pinion, not to mention additional benefits listed above.
Maybe I misinterpreted DionR. I was thinking he wanted the newer spindle because of brake availability, possibly what is "used" out there. Just my guess /assumption.
72 bluNblu is correct.....but the point (from the customers / builders) of all rack and pinion / coil over conversions are.
1) room not only for headers clearance but larger engine applications
2) weight savings
3) compact modern rack and pinion steering
geometry rarely comes up, it is more about the ease of achieving increased caster (6 degrees positive, piece of cake), the ability to add crazy camber (auto X) and of course hub to hub width. HDK's exclusive, time proven (now 25 years / zero failures) upper shock mount / chromoly support allows for not only a longer shock / spring combination, but a narrow hub to hub. Adjustable ends on all control arms make it possible to not only fit off the shelf rims, but specialty wheels a customer might already own.
As far as turning radius....HDK uses out of the box spindles, so turning radius is not compromised as with those that modify / lengthen the steering arm.
I own both OEM (with HDK tubular uppers) and HDK personal Dusters and drive them back to back. Both have power steering, sway bars and fresh components with the same alignment specs (6 degrees positive caster / .25 degree negative camber on pass side / .50 negative camber on the driver side / 1/8" total toe. All specs with added 3/4" front ride height . While I have no problem with torsion bars vs coil springs except they are in the way, I still like the precise steering of the rack and pinion, not to mention additional benefits listed above.
