Today I decided I wanted to bring my 69 back to a level stance. I swapped the IROC 16's back on my Monte SS and put the 265/50/15s on all 4 corners of the 69. Before I did this I was feeling a slight gap in the steering when turning to the right. Figured I might get a new steering box since the rest of the front suspension is newer(poly). However a curious thing devleoped now the gap in the steering is almost center after the tire swap. The front tire size is slightly different due to different Manufaturer (Cooper vs BFG). Is there an adjustment somewhere for the gap? I am probably going back to the Coopers due the the fact the car is squirrely on the top end on the BFGs http://www.camaros.net/forum/eek.gif. Anybody need a deal on a pair of 295/50/15 cooper cobra radials? Thanks in advance for your input.

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Jeff
69 SSRS 396(roller 427 :D )
My Chevs (http://www.tcg158.homestead.com)

I responded to a previous post on steering boxes. Hit the search button and look for it.

Basicaly you turn in the allen screw on the top of the box to take out the extra lash. Don't go tight, just take the lash out.
If you get it too tight, it will tend to stick in place and you will wind up zig zagging down the road.

On the tires, if you wind up putting tires with more tread on the rear, you will have problems with directional stability. Try them on the front if they aren't too big.
David
David

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Check my web page for 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

Check the rag joint. I tried tightening the lash on the steering box and it didn't help. It turned out to be the rag joint.

Squarles,
Thanks for adding that, I keep forgetting to mention the rag joint every time I talk about steering boxes.
I've not personally had trouble with a rag joint, so I guess it doesn't occur to me.
Another favorite of mine is leaving the rotor out when changing points, must have done that a couple of hundred times.
David

It is easy to forget the small stuff. I went through the same problem with my 67 a couple months ago. When I tightened the steering box it did exactly what you described, it would stick and I looked like a drunk weaving down the road. I got my wife to sit in the car and turn the wheel until I found the slack.
Stephen

When tightening gear boxes I like to have both front tires off the ground, center the steering, take the allen all the way down,back it off 1/8-1/4 turn, tighten the nut Then grab the tire and turn it lock to lock,it shouldn't bind in the center. Now put it in the center and check for play. If it still has play or binds, I'd replace it.

rerage : I too found youre system to work best some months ago when I encounterd play in my system.

Sorry to change the subject but my questions are about the stearing box so;

I have noticed a slight leak from the bottom seal of my stearing box (manual) (1969),just last night while stripping my front suspension .

1. It seams like I should manage to get the box out without too much trouble ,but please say if there is any obsticle I may not yet have seen.

2. Is there any way I may be able to replace the seal and service the box myself ,or is it better to pay a pro.

Thank you for youre help.


[This message has been edited by CESARE 327 RSA (edited 07-27-2000).]

Cesare, did you pull it and repair it? Reason I am asking is I leave in Toronto Canada and the driving season is pretty much over for this year. Like you I have noticed my stearing box is loose and leaks, mine is a power stearing unit.

I am far from a mechanic but since I purchase my 67 2 years ago I seem to be getting elbow deep in grease about every 2-3 months.

My question really is how hard was it to remove and is there anything I should be concerned about when reinstalling it. I do take my car to a garage and the owner of the shop has come to realize I like being involed with my repairs. He is the one who suggested I pull it and bring it to him for a rebuild. Or does it make sense to replace it with a newer box that may have a better turn ration?

Thanks in advance.

Mark.

Most newer cars are close to two turns lock t lock, so if yours is slower than that, I'd consider just buying an AGR unit for your year camaro.
It will be faster ratio, and your hoses and steering coupler will fit.
If you go with a later model box from a wrecking yard, the coupler and hoses are different and must use a 79 pickup coupler, and hose adapters on the box.
David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Motorsports page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
First Gen Suspension Page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/first_gen_suspension.htm)
67 RS 327 original owner. 69 Camaro Vintage Racer, 65 Lola T-70 Chev SB Can-Am Vintage Racer

David-it's better to forget putting the rotor in when changing points than finding the new throw-out bearing on the bench after the tranny and driveshaft are all buttoned back up!!!!YIKES!!!!!

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HDZ/28

I've allways had trouble leaving the rotor out!
Even the simplest jobs have a way of getting out of hand!
David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Motorsports page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
First Gen Suspension Page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/first_gen_suspension.htm)
67 RS 327 original owner. 69 Camaro Vintage Racer, 65 Lola T-70 Chev SB Can-Am Vintage Racer