I was unhappy with the clearance against the front upright, even after maching it on the lathe, due to deflection of the shaft. I re-manufactured mine today with an additional group 4 coupling and escort splined shaft. All I need to do now is secure a rose joints to support the shaft. (Note: I used the XR4x4 steering shaft the the top coupling is larger than usual. This is a slightly more expensive option, but I think it will be worth it. (Larger photos availible on my Flicker build Diary) It may be possible to adjust the rack mounting slightly to gain an additional 1 mm.

Looking at your setup it seems that the Sierra column coupling (RD850) is not needed at all. You just need the group4 coupling (RD820F) and the steering shaft (RD849).
In the case someone use the RD850 too, this will make a 3xUJ's setup. Is that right?

I think the best example i have seen on here is janne's build, his build is awesome and the photos are clear. Have a look at it, seem to remember he put in another joint its a really neat job.

Thanks, that was an incredible build but i think that his steering column has one quite large angle which i suppose will make the steering not so smooth.
IMO, HandyAndy's setup is much better.

I could be wrong but I seem to remember that an angle in the steering shaft is desirable for IVA as a safety feature in case of head on collision.

By the sounds of it I've made mine like Spikehaus with an extra Group 4 coupling, making 3 uj's and then a bearing support lower down off the chassis. Theres over an inch of clearance from the upright but there is a large angle on the column now, but it makes no difference to steering effort or smoothness.

Have you noticed any reduced steering self-centering?

A bit off subject but what size bolts go through the universal group 4 coupling. I have tried M8 but the seem too large for the groove on the column extension. Should I be using imperial sized bolts?

(I think i referring to a pinch bolt)

M8 is working for me. It does require exact alignment with the centre of the groove of the splined shaft and it's a tight fit.