Thank you very much for the information on the B2600 Mazda. That opens yet another line of inquiry.

Here's some sad news. Today I went to look at an '89 Mighty Max, extended cab, 5 speed, 2.6L toasted engine. Asking price: $350. The only downside (or so I thought!) was that it was not 4wd.

So I collected my money, rented a tow dolly, and drove about oh.. I dunno.. 80 miles. To my dismay and horror the truck was a "low rider has-been". As I was absorbing the fact that it had no DOOR HANDLES the guy said "the guy I bought it from wrecked it three times...". I was there for about 59 additional seconds. The truck was enveloped in bad vibes.

So, back to the drawing board.

Best and thanks to all.

V