67 Chevelle VS 67 GTO: Steering question

[muthstryker]

Hey guys had a quick question. Once again I keep finding different parts that I want for my GTO and they only have them for chevelles. Well my question is, are the chevelle and GTO steering arms and everything the same length? The reason I ask is because there are a number of companies that sell rack and pinion bolt on kits for the 67 chevelles. The companys keep telling me it wont work but wont give me an explanation on why not. Are they proud of their products and dont want to see them on Pontiacs? (lol) or will it simply not work?

thanks in advance for any help.

[wmhjr]

I think the steering arms are the same, but that's it. Tie rods, center link, idler arm and pitman arm are all different. Trust me - I found out the hard way. It "might" be possible to use all chebby stuff on a '67 goat, but you certainly can't mix and match. I bought a complete front end setup from Spohn through Mark at SC&C. Had to return it - both mark and steve were surprised as well. I measured and while in general the overall lengths were close, the holes, pin sizes, and connection locations were all different. I even have pics somewhere comparing the two center links.

[andrewb70]

I think the steering arms are the same, but that's it. Tie rods, center link, idler arm and pitman arm are all different. Trust me - I found out the hard way. It "might" be possible to use all chebby stuff on a '67 goat, but you certainly can't mix and match. I bought a complete front end setup from Spohn through Mark at SC&C. Had to return it - both mark and steve were surprised as well. I measured and while in general the overall lengths were close, the holes, pin sizes, and connection locations were all different. I even have pics somewhere comparing the two center links.

I really don't see how a GTO and a Chevelle can have different parts. What I do know is that 67 was an oddball, transition year. Many parts in 67 were one year only. Some parts were from 66, while others were from 68. So its possible that the differences have more to do with the year, than with the brands. It's just a theory.



Andrew

[muthstryker]

damn that sucks, Thanks for the help guys

[wmhjr]

I really don't see how a GTO and a Chevelle can have different parts. What I do know is that 67 was an oddball, transition year. Many parts in 67 were one year only. Some parts were from 66, while others were from 68. So its possible that the differences have more to do with the year, than with the brands. It's just a theory.

Andrew

I understand your confusion, but I can tell you with complete certainty that they are different. If you don't believe me, ask Mark at SC&C or Steve at Spohn. You need to understand that the frames are the same, but the engines, trannys, oil pans other items are different.

Did you know that the tranny crossmember is completely different? The Pontiac uses rubber bushing ends which bolt in from the bottom rather than a solid mount which bolt in from the top. The chevy centerlink is a larger diameter than the Pontiac. Again - I can provide detailed photos comparing the two as well as descriptive measurements showing the difference. I would need to find it but it wouldn't be hard. They are different.

The Pontiac oil pan, timing cover, and overall engine geometry are different. That may well be the reason for the different design, in that it requires additional clearance near the bottom front of the motor. Either Buick or Olds are also different - can't remember which one.

[hectore3]

That is very true. I am a 1967 Lemans owner myself. And chasing parts can be an exercise in frustration sometimes.