View Full Version : steering box swap


MarkM
Sep 13th, 00, 08:54 AM
I wanting know wants involved in swaping a power sytem from a 79 camaro z28 with a small block to my non-power 68 with a big block. Since the newer camaro is front steer what will interchange? pumps, pitman arm etc. Would the Z28 have a quick ratio box? It is a Z and it had a big sway bar on it. Thanks for any help.

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68 468 700R4, and here it is;
mutert23 (http://home.earthlink.net/~mutert23/)

davidpozzi
Sep 13th, 00, 04:27 PM
Mark,
It will have slightly less turn angle due to stops put inside. Actually, one of the stops is the aluminum plug on the "cap" end.

I think the hyd lines will fit. Later boxes used different type ends on the hoses.
The coupler is diffent size on the box size, get that with the box if you can.

The pitman arm is a larger shaft size than a manual box.
There are two length pitman arms, the fast ratio is longest.
David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Homepage (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
67 RS 327
69 Camaro Vintage Racer
65 Lola T-70 Can Am Vintage Racer

Mat Klemp
Sep 13th, 00, 04:37 PM
I believe that the gearbox will fit, you will need a new pitman arm, The rag joint asm will also need to be replaced with a power steering one. The splined shaft on the steering wheel end of the box is different than non-power and most likely different from the same part on the original '68. You will need to create the proper combination of flange and rag joint. I did mine (small block) by scrounging through the junk yard until I found a part that would work. The fittings for the hoses may be different, I don't think so but,I'm not sure. The pump mounting is different from small block to big block, The pump may work with some hose changes, But it may need a different pulley.
New front pulleys, Damper and water pump and maybe alternator will be needed to drive the power steering pump, again different than small block. Maybe someone with more big block experience can help more with the pump and pulley info.

MarkM
Sep 13th, 00, 04:47 PM
Well I didn't know the splines were different. I think I'll hold off on the swap and find an easier one, thanks for the replies.

cmrib
Sep 13th, 00, 05:49 PM
Mark, If you have a Year One catalog they show pictures of all the different power steering boxes and there ratios. They also have the conversion rag joint you would need to adapt from the box to your steering column. The pitman arm can also be purchased. Just a couple of ideas to check out. Good Luck!

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Mike http://www.webwowser.com/cmrib/ribs
Frame Off Restoration

Winch
Sep 14th, 00, 03:50 AM
I put one in my 68 from a 77 (not a Z). It bolted in OK. I found a pitman arm from a 69 Nova with PS. You have to have a pitman arm from a PS box from 1st gen Camaro or pre 70 Nova because the diameter of the hole is different and it mounts 180 out from later models. I didn't have any problems with the hoses but maybe I got lucky.
I am confused on the quick ratio stuff. All I know for sure is the manual box that was in the 68 went 6 full turns stop to stop. The PS box from the 69 Nova was 4 and the box from the 77 was 2 1/3. Made a tremendous difference.
I'm glad to hear there is a difference in the turning radius. I always thought it didn't corner as tight as it should. Anything that can be done about that?