Just wondering if anyone has done this, I don't see why I cant do it. Looking for any hitches that might arise.

 

Been there, done that

No hitches really, other than make sure you realize the bolts for the rack are UNDERNEATH the car, and NOT on top of the subframe - tricky Mazdains, made it look like there are nuts on top, sheesh.

Really, the '86 - '88 manual rack is a direct drop-in.

And don't listen to all the wimps that whine about increased steering effort at low speeds - it almost feels like there is still power steering there. Basically, I don't see why there is any reason NOT to do this!

If you are having trouble getting yoru tie-rod ends to pop out of the steering knuckle, just back the crown nut off until the top of the "crown" is just off the threads, then tap lightly with a RUBBER dead-blow hammer, maybe even spraying some liquid wrench in there, and they will pop right out.






Shawn

 

bump

 

how much would a manual rack cost, im interested in doing the swap myself

 

$50-$75 from a wrecker, or $400 new.
Why not just convert your power rack to manual? That's what I did, cost me maybe $10?
Sean

 

I did this in January.

87 manual rack into 89

you will need the rack, the mounts, (i believe the passenger side is different from the PS one), and some time. If you have a haynes manual, use it.

removing the rack is a bitch... I wasn't ever going to use my PS one again so I cut all the lines.
make sure you get the rack to mount up to the steering column all the way... or when you turn the wheel the part that bolts to the lower section will hit the side of the engine bay.

 

not really, all the manual racks are the same from my understanding. The hardest part is getting the lines off of the PS pump.