I finally had success installing LimeWire on Mandrake 8.

First, I downloaded LimeWire 1.6b. Next, I ran the install script, which again generated the same font errors and created the small window, just a few pixels on a side, in the middle of the screen (it's barely noticeable). I was able to grab the bottom right corner of the window, though, and the window popped out to full size, revealing the installer options.

LimeWire then proceeded to install and run without a problem and seems to be working great so far.