Dana30 SAS steering box question

[hondaridr24]

so hopefully i don't sound like a idiot, but I am in the process of gathering parts and info to do a Dana30 sas on my 94 ranger, I have never done a SAS. I see that people are replacing the steering box and moving it forward on the frame. I was wondering why you can't use the existing steering box that is on the truck. I can't look at the truck either due to the fact that I am currently in Iraq so I can only gather info on here.

 

[4x4junkie]

You can use the stock steering box no problem (swapping a steering box in is required for the '98-'11 trucks since they come originally with a rack & pinion unit).

A D30 would not be my first choice for an axle though (especially when it is weaker than what is under your truck currently). I'd be looking for a D60 myself, since even the D44 is only a relatively minor upgrade.