Been thinking about doing this for a while. It seems like everytime I get an alignment on my '98 2wd it lasts anywhere from 3-6 months. Gone through 5 alignments in 3 years. Wanted to convert to 3rd gen rack in hopes of more firm feel and so I can go longer than half a year before needing another alignment. It seems like it would be a straight forward swap(for when it's warmer)? Just wanted to know if anyone has done this? I can get most of the parts from work. Just looking for some input.
Thanks.

 

Not a good investment of your money. The problem is a combination of poor suspension components and a weak steering gear box mount. The weak mount knocks out the bearings in the box, and the front bushings flop around like a fish out of water because they are soft rubber. It just hammers itself out of alignment in short order no matter what steering you use.

Prothane makes the urethane bushings you need once you have good ball joints and tie rod ends, and Solid Steel Industries sells a steering stabilizer kit for around $250 that will solve the problem of alignment drift forever once the steering gear box is rebuilt.

 

Definitely look into it.
Thank you.

 

I agree with RCW. There's a lot of high quality aftermarket parts to make these trucks stay straight and the cost is pretty reasonable.

You are looking at a lot of engineering and alignment measurements to re do the whole front end, not to mention a lot of time.