mjm4jc

Is the 81-85 steering box the same as the 84-85 SE?

gsl-se addict

iTrader: (3)

According to Mazdatrix, there are 3 different manual boxes and 1 P/S box.

http://www.mazdatrix.com/hsteer1.htm

I suspect that the only difference between the manual boxes is the ratio. For some reason, the 81.5-83 is almost twice as expensive as the other manual boxes.

mjm4jc

Thanks Kent. Does anyone know if the steering box and shaft from a 1980 is compatable with my SE? I'm not too concerned about the ratio, just compatability. I'm looking to remove and replace----no mods. Mazdatrix doesn't even list the steering box for 79-80.

budrud

I made that swap and it bolted right in. It seems I had to do something with the key switch but it was awhile ago so I can't remember exactly what.

mjm4jc

Thanks. Does anyone else have any comments? I don't want to buy this box if it is not a direct bolt in and requires a lot of mods.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

Reading through this page:

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/S.../firstgen.html

The only difference listed in steering ratios is the 85 SE steering box with power assist. Since the steering column is part of the unit, the difference between years could be any number of things from how/how much the column collapses, how the wiring harness is attached, the ignition switch, horn wiring, multiswitch etc..

Best advice I can give is if you're buying the unit locally, put the 2 of them side by side and compare for any differences. As far as how the unit bolts to the frame rail, there probably isn't any. Since the dashes have changed, there may be a difference in how it bolts to the dash substructure. But that doesn't explain the midyear change in 81. As far as the S3 12A boxes, the manual and power interchange with no problem. I assume the SE power box will interchange w/o issues also. If you're going from manual to power, make sure you get the pump, pump bracket, pump pulley, idler pulley and adjusting screw, main crank pulley, hydraulic hoses and the cooling coil that loops in front of the radiator.

There's a line drawing in the 85 FSM. Sec. 10B, p. 2 that shows most of the PS parts. It's also easier to leave the pitman arm on the steering sector, it can be a real pita to remove.