Whisper

On my GSL-SE with P/S. I can't seem to get the housing off the shaft. Does the housing just slide apart? It seems like it should, but I can't get it to do that. Seems like a really tight fit and maybe I'm doing it wrong. Doesn't look like the shaft comes out of the bottom end either. There's some kind of bearing there, and the end of the housing has chiseled-in tabs that hold it in.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

the housing should slide right off. the bearing at the steering wheel end will come off with the shaft as the housing slides over the shaft. the grommet/seal at the steering box end will also be removed with the housing. no tabs that retain the shaft to the housing.

Whisper

It doesn't slide right off. That's mainly why I'm asking. Should I force it? I don't want to damage any bearings. FSM doesn't have any information on it.

Whisper

I'm trying to do the conversion, because I hate the steering box and rubbish power steering leaks and it's just a big mess and screw it overall.

So I'm assuming that's the case and I should source the steering housing from a non-P/S car, right? Mine is 85 GSL-SE. Is there any year that's incompatible with mine that I should avoid? I'm assuming all housings are the same as far as dash mounting brackets go... Though if not, I suppose the brackets can be re-welded. I just need the correct housing length to reach the clamp. P/S one doesn't extend beyond firewall.

'87 turbo II

iTrader: (1)

I don't know, but I'm sure you'll find someone willing to trade with you straight up. A power steering box, even if leaky, almost always has less play than the manual boxes. So someone will be happy to take the whole system,disable it, adjust for play, and use it as a manual rack replacement. Then you'll be free to have a lighter crossmember with 36 points of adjustment, the option for a quick ratio rack, a stiff motor mounting system, and of course a much more durable and direct steering feel.

Whisper

Mine has a bit of play - not too much, but enough to make driving straight on a highway somewhat of a guessing game. Not horrible, but it's going to be worse at the track. I don't know how much of that can be adjusted. I suppose the steering ratio is quicker on the P/S boxes, so that's one bonus. Meanwhile I'll check local junkers for a regular steering column...

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

Contact re-speed! :-)

They will give you the absolute answer!

Kentetsu

Or, you can send Billy a PM. Or, ask on his forum at the website.

Or, I can send him a PM, and have him answer your question in this thread so that we'll have that answer on hand in case someone else ever asks the same question. I'm sure he'll be along shortly...


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bwaits

iTrader: (12)

Yes, the kit is setup for non-power steering cars.

You will need the outer steering housing and upper steering shaft from a 84-85 non-PS car to complete the conversion with our standard supplied parts.

Only other way would be to use 3/4 DD steering shaft and install a rag joint on the end to connect it to the rag joint on the PS column. You will then need to develop something to support this shaft once it passes through the firewall. You may be able to adapt the support we supply by making a new bushing for it.

-billy

Whisper

Awesome, thanks.

Oh, and will the column/shaft from an 83 work? Can't find any 84-85 ones, but I think I found a couple of 82-83 ones...

[edit] Wait, what year did the ignition switch and steering lock got turned upside down?

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

you may want to put the steering box in a vice and give a tug..unless the whole unit is still in the car. if so i have another idea.

Twilightoptics

iTrader: (1)

You need to turn the key to ON to disengage the steering lock pin from the shaft. Then the housing should pull right off.

Fought that a little bit myself. Likewise for reinstallation or you'll be wondering why the housing wont go down far enough.