I'm not familiar with the Mugen driveshafts being used on the 8. I'm not saying it wouldn't work though.
As for the ackerman plate, good looking piece you have there. I have always used the long plate cause the short one gave the buggy quicker reaction time than I had. HaHaHa. Now, some people have said the buggy is too twitchy when the steering is tightened back up. I'm sure each driver has his preference though.
so let us know what you think of the comparison. Try each one for a couple tanks and switch back and forth. Post back what you think of it.