ok, so chris are you saying that you think that the calmini arms should or should not be used.
Well, I don't really have an opinion on that, never used the CALMINI a-arms or even seen one (at least, not off of a truck). I know that people have done it both ways, with mixed results. Without the arms, alignment is more of an issue, but I believe it can be done -- just might require more work...
I gather the only real benefits gained are an easier alingnment and maybe a little travel added, but I don't really need to find any extra susp travel.
It's the other components of the CALMINI lift that give you more travel, not the a-arms themselves. They will help with alignment, tho. The travel is still limited by upper and lower snubbers, although the CALMINI kit uses some parts that change that geometry and therefore give you more travel.
Ultimately then, which method puts the less stress on the rest of the suspension; calmini+tbar or just tbar crank?
Should be equal stress, however, the change in droop snubber and/or bumpstops would allow more stress due to the extended travel range. That being said, tho, you can increase the travel with or without the arms, so that added stress wouldn't be a direct result of using the CALMINI a-arms. You can also use the CALMINI a-arms without increasing travel by not using the altered bumpstops. Given that you have the 2000 with the Rack & Pinion, your biggest concern will be overextending the rack, so whatever option you go with, I would recommend leaving the range of travel stock.
HTH,
Chris
