1st gen F-Body Steering Clarification

[Dantigan]

I have combed a lot of different forums and read numerous posts looking for a straightforward answer, but have only found bits and pieces of what I am really looking for.

I have a 1969 Firebird that had the front track width narrowed by an inch. The Tie Rods had to be shortened to be able to get proper alignment. I am now going back to proper track width with my new build and will have to replace most of the steering linkage. As anyone with a 69 'Bird knows, the steering was unique for that year which translates into components at least twice the price. I am switching over to an LS motor so no longer need the firebird specific steering, which may even be in the way on the LS (yet to stab motor).



Now would be the perfect time to switch over the steering to the lower cost parts. As I understand it, if I use all of the parts from a 69 Camaro linkage (including the center drag) everything should bolt up, right? I plan to upgrade the steering box and replace all the linkage. I don't want to run into any problems with everything bolting right in. I had contemplated just switching to rack, but was told it would not fit with the LS in stock sub-frame without a lot of modification. Would love clarification, Thanks.

[dws1216]

Any luck? Same issues.

[killer69]

The Unisteer rack http://www.speedtechperformance.com/...prod/prd23.htm will work if you use all the associated parts.

http://www.speedtechperformance.com/...rod/prd383.htm

I am sure there may be other combinations that could work but this I Know works.
if you want to use a steering box and 69 Camaro parts there really should be no issues either, and then all these parts will work as well includint the headers and they will give you the best ground clearance I have seen.

any questions feel free to Call
435-628-4300

[Rod]

yes all the Camaro items will swap over you need the camaro Pitman arm, Idler arm, draglink and the 69 camaro tie rod ends inner and outer along with adjuster sleeves,,,nothing firebird works on the camaro....well, maybe the drag link ....but I wouldn't chance it

[Dantigan]

Blake, I am glad you weighed in on this before I had made any steering purchases. With the cost of a good steering box and linkage its not much different than just going with rack and pinion. I do already have the motor mounted in place and have some headers. The Firebird drag link does hit on the Mast oil pan. But it does not look like I will have any header issues. There appears to me that I would have ample room between the pan and the crossmember to fit a rack. I also have the ATS spindles. What steering arms would need to be used with the unisteer and ATS?