im going to be modifying my steering arm and going with a manual rack for drag racing.
all the "kits" from aje, pa, etc.... all have shortened tie rod ends to work with our cars. is this needed with a shortened steering arm, or can i use a std length pinto rack, unmodified?

 

IMO - the mustang II style racks are much easier to mount. They have two cast ears with bushings, thus only require two studs/bolts to be mounted. - The shortend steering arm won't change the rack/tie rod length, just the axle center to tie rod center length.

Not sure about the pinto, but the mustang II style rack doesn't need any shortening when used with a bump-steer kit(thread sleeves and rod end outer tie rods).