hello, i recently just bought my first mazda, normally im a chevy girl, but this time i decided to go with a littler truck... plus i love this thing. anyways i bought it for 300.00 runs ok its a manual and its also an 1987. the problem im having with it is the steering. i understand that it is maunal steering but i dont think it should be that hard to steer, almost unconrtolable only around turns, cause its so hard to turn i have to do it witjh both hands... also i was wondering if anyone new where i could pick up so rear panels, its the only wrong with the truck exterioly. any help would be appericated thanx
liz

 

Are the tires and wheels factory size? If they are larger size, it will be much harder to turn. Make sure the front end alignment is correct. If all is okay, sounds like you might need to join the gym and lift weights!

 

lol lift weights lmao....i dunno about all of that. i played some heavy duty sports and this thing is like trying to turn a a semi with out power steering i mean its rough to try and shift and steer at the same time. no the tires are all different sizes in fact i n believe that b2000 came out with either 205 74 r 14 and this truck has 3 different sizes on it lol. i suppose that this could be my problem. but is there like a gear box or something just incase that doesnt fix it??

 

If the steering system is in good condition, I would suggest getting the all the same size tires and the correct size. A manual steering truck is very sensitive to the wrong size tires and will make it hard to steer as you describe. I had an old Ford truck F100 with manual steering, brakes, and standard trans so I know what you mean about feeling like a tank! I even went with smaller size tires on the front to make it a lil easier.

 

I too am lacking the Power steering option on my 87 B2000. I have wider than stock, but still about the same diameter tires. My steering is tough, but livable. (I just get a rolling start, then turn the wheel)

Much more livable now that I took off the factory Mazda rims that had swamper boggers on them.

The tires I have on now are Riken VTS (it's dark now and I will have to wait until light to verify the VTS.) mounted to American Racing type 57's.

My steering box is worn in the centered (non-turning) position, so the truck wanders a little, but still very much better steering than with the boggers.

If you really want better steering, swap in the Gear Box, hoses and pump from a truck with P/S.

If you want to, check out the truck here: (my van is there too, but I am still working on that site)

Poorboy's rides 87 B2000

 

thanx for the info, changed tires. 195 75 in fron 205 75 in back, turns very easy now. thanx

 

I had 235/75 R15's and had no trouble with the steering on my 87 2WD. It did look a lot better, but got about 13 mpg, so off they went and got 205/70 15's, now i get about 32 mpg easily. That's why I bought the truck, plus its sweet.