Ok. I'm about 1/2 way through adding an 84 power steering gear box and setup to my 83 GSL. I have a question. It seems that the new column does not go through the firewall in the same spot as the old column. It doesn't appear to be off much.. Just about 1/2" towards the passenger side. The coupler is hitting the firewall. Has anyone done this before and noticed this problem, or is it just my wonderful handiwork. I'd like to verify this before I go cutting my firewall.


Also, does anyone have the rubber boot that goes around the power column at the firewall? PM me if you do, thanks.


Dave

 

I can't fathom Mazda stamping out an entirely new firewall for a power steering car but there may have been a change in the 84 model cars to allow for it. but on a good note I was out at the bone yard sunday and there was a 84 GSL with power steering there I'll see if it has the rubber you need in good shape.

 

I would appreciate it greatly numan. Thanks...

 

Anyone else able to verify the difference in the firewall hole for the steering column? Thanks.

 

Ok.. I'm just about done with my conversion.. I have a question for anyone out there with power steering.. Where does the cooling line run? I am trying to hook up the final steering lines and one of them runs up about 2 feet, then turns 90 degrees and runs about 4 feet, loops back and returns to the gearbox. I can't figure out where I'm supposed to mount this thing.. If anyone has a pic of their engine bay that shows the power steering line, that would be great.. Thanks to everyone for their help on this conversion.

Dave

 

It's hard to explain, so here's a couple of pics. I would start at the loop mount and work back for installation. Removing the battery tray will make it easier.

 

Thanks alot trochoid.. I really appreciated the pics. I have it all in and WOW, what a difference. I can't believe the steering response.. And without the variable assist switch connected, there is tons of road feel.. If anyone is considering ditching their old manual box, I'd highly recommend this mod.. It's a pain to get it all in there, but there is very little fab work involved and the benefits are enormous.

 

You're most welcome.

I'm going to be doing the same swap in a pair of 85's. I don't think the 15x8 rims with 225-50-15's will be manual friendly on the car I'm building. I got spoiled with the ps in my 2nd gen.

I'm curious what all you had to do for the swap. I did notice that the ends of the steering shafts are different, but was hoping I wouldn't have to change the columns.

Any advice/suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

 

You have to change the columns.. Unfortunately for you.. Basically for the swap, I just needed to remove the hood, battery and tray, the metal shroud under the car, the steering column vent and column (with accessories) some miscellaeous wiring that got in the way.. and that's about it. Everything was basically a bolt on except for the cooling line that I spoke of above.. I had to rig some mounting locations for that. If I can wrestle the digicam away from my boss, I'll get some pics of the completed project. FYI.. getting the column to mount up to the box after it is installed is a pain in the ***.. You might want to get the column installed first, then the gearbox.. Good luck


By the way.. I broke my turn signal return cam while installing my new, smaller Grant wheel. If anyone has an old turn signal assembly with a good cam, pm me with a price shipped to 16510.. I have cruise, but i can swap the pieces I need from a beat up or damaged assembly..

 

Thanks for the quick response. Both cars are basicly stripped down right now so I just need to mess with the dash stuff. Did you leave the pitman arm on each box, don't know if there is any difference between the 2. It would be easier for me to leave them on. One of them I couldn't get off last year when I redid the tie-rods.

I'll pm you about the turn signal, can't believe I even found one with all the parts laying around.

 

The pitman arms measured the same on both boxes.. I tried removing it, but broke my puller.. damn hard to remove, those things.. So, I measured the other one and realized they were the same..

 

well I couldn't make it out to the boneyard this weekend I'll try next weekend for you.

 

Thanks for the good news. I know I can't get the arm off of the ps sector, tried last year.

 

No biggie Numan.. Don't worry about it.. I'm done now.. Not taking that thing apart.. I just fabbed some rubber in there..