Look for a '01 Scrambler. I just bought one 3 wks. ago. They fixed the lower steering post bearing problem by replacing the old plastic w/ a metal one. Also come with steel braid brake lines, a new brake lever & master cylinder for easier braking. The choke is a new pull style vice the old flip style that broke easy. And to top at all of you can get it in racing yellow w/ flames decal kit.
HTH

 

The HotSeat stem won't allow side by side tie-rods like you want. They designed it to match up with the mounting locations of the stock stem. Like you said, the tie-rods are off-set on the strut housing. The '01 models are differen't and upgraded. I don't know if HotSeat has a stem for the newest models yet.