Definitely take the rack out to do anything. These absolutely need maintenance in the form of grease every 1500-2000mi. Mine was dry and squeaking by 1500mi. I've encountered the short pinion to steering shaft issue on 2 of 2 cars. Measurements confirm the ST pinion does not reach as far as the factory pinion.
I’m glad you mention the East Coast guys testing them in mud. Although I’m not a “muddier”, sometimes it’s just unavoidable on our WV, TN, PA, KY trails! This rack is on my list!
Let’s say there is a half inch gap on passenger side. Do you do all shims on that side not matter the gap, or do you add some shims to the driver side to help keep rack straight in the chassis
Great question. Great question At 1/2 or more we would really like to see a shim on the third bolt on the driver side to pull the passenger side in. It’s very rare to need that tho
