Rack & Pinion wil not be legal in USLMRA
To the contrary..........
I am using the stock(slightly Modified) Rack and Pinion("Push -Pull") that comes with ALL John Deere L100 series mowers from 2002 to 2007. The LT100 Series and the older 160-170-180's used a similar Rack & pinion. One could also call these "Fan-Gears", the parts book and service manual call them Rack & Pinion. I have raced 5 of these racers in USLRMA, all over the county since 2006 and it has never been an issue.
The Rack and Pinion that is illegal in USLMRA is the ARC aluminum box or JR Dragster Style R&P. Some of these were used on golf karts too.
ARMA allows this steering system. It is also permitted with the Mason Dixon LMRA local rules.
If used, I recommend using a CV Boot Bellows on the sides if it does not come with one. A rock or stone can easily jam it up
without the boots, rendering it very unsafe in a high speed situation.
There was also a comment that Rack & Pinion was never used on a Factory Riding Mower. I recently spoke to one of John Deere's corporate lawyers in Washington DC who informed me that since 1999, Millions of these were made.(Push Pull R&P)
Have an lt 155 but figured I'd take a stab at the free stx first and save the other for a future build. Thanks for all the help and advise. Guys don't want to annoy anyone with all these questions, and I sure will try to meet up with Richard. Gonna go fire up the grinder and welder, lol wish me luck I think I'm gonna need it.:-[
The LT 155 would be a better candidate, it has a much better robust frame than the STX and it can easily be made removable.
I use a LT160 & LT180 to cut grass with and they drive like Cadillac's. Be very careful with the Hood on the LT's...it carries a very hefty price tag as with the STX's. The L100 is much lighter and the hood is cheaper(I have bought quite a few LOL!.)....and the L100's are a dime a dozen. Both have a decent wheelbase for racing. The STX series has a shorter wheelbase making them quite "Squirrely" at higher speeds.
Wish you lived closer........I am currently helping a local young ..."Jedi"... who comes from dirt racing background/family too. He is in GP(MODXR) class right now and running up front on a older custom John Deere 180. Not saying what I am making is right, but it works form me and my team.....and you rarely ever see me pushing my mower off the track. ....well, the wife did push her racer off the track after she finished...ran out of gas....it was still my fault!