Hello-

I have a 69 Camaro convertible that I inherited from family. I'm a novice at this sort of thing but I'm trying to get it up and running so will probably bombard this community with questions for a bit.

My first question involves the new steering column it needs. What's the
difference between variable ratio and constant ratio? How do I know which I might need?

Question number 2: My mechanic is handling the steering repairs (I don't trust myself with that kind of work) but he has me on the hunt for a left end outer tie rod knuckle. I've found a number of parts I've needed in various locales but can't seem to find this one. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Dan

Welcome to Team Camaro!

A 69 Camaro should have come with variable ratio steering if it was a power steering system.
The steering was the usual low resistance feel, a late 80's box has a fast constant ratio, and stiffer feel. It would require a different rag joint coupler on the input shaft, and hydraulic hose adapters, it comes with metric ports.

AGR makes a drop in replacement with fast ratio and stiff feel like you would get on a late 80's IROC camaro, it does not require a different coupler or hose adapters.

If you don't allready have power steering, you need more info which we can provide.

Don't forget to use the "Search" feature on this page. Our archives are full of good info. Use the "Advanced Search to search by individual forum sections, it's a better way to go.

A steering knuckle is one spindle plus steering arm and brakes.
The outer steering link end is called the outer tie rod end
There is also an inner tie rod end connected to the center link on the inside.
Inner and outer tie rod ends are both connected by a threaded toe adjuster.

Some 67 steering steering parts are not longer listed by Moog, but you can substitute 68/69 steering parts with no problems.

MOOG#

Both sides outer tie rod 67 ES348R (4.62" long)these are shorter than 68-69, don't know why, is adjuster sleeve longer on a 67?

Both sides outer tie rod 68-69 ES381RL (5.75" long)

Both sides Inner tie rod 67-69 ES681N

Toe in adjuster sleeve 68-69 ES350S

Upper ball joint K5108 67-69

Lower ball joint K5103 67-69

Upper control arm Shaft kit K5250

Idler arm + bracket K6099 all 68-69 5.375" long - cast iron, not forged steel.

Idler arm, K6093 all 67 5 3/4" long (no longer available)

Pitman, manual K6150 68-69 (short)

Pitman K6151 PS, short 5.25"

Pitman, PS K6154, 67-69 5.78" long (probably 5 3/4") 32 splines 1.1-1.18 diam. Not longer available from Moog.

Pitman, PS , long, Moog# 6582 New production run, no grease fitting - Currently available at any auto parts store that sells Moog parts.

Pitman, PS long, TRW # 18770 Same as above. Probably a Moog part in a TRW box.

NOTE: There are two length pitman arms for power and two lengths for manual. Std 17 to 1 ratio power steering uses 5.25"

Optional fast ratio PS, uses 5.7" long Pitman arm.

thanks for the advice!!!