LS swapped 68 Camaro- steering issues

[99socalfrc]

The steering on my 68 Camaro is awful. It's stiff, seems to power assist about 1 out of every 10 turns. At times it won't even return to center. I've only had the car together since November and I've been thru 2 boxes and now 2 pumps trying to figure this out.

im using an LS1 pump from a 2002 Camaro (installed an AC Delco to start, just swapped to a reman today, no help)

using a 1988 Camaro 14:1 box (it's a reman from NAPA, first box was a Lares built grand Cherokee box it was total junk right out of the box)

I'm probably a week away from putting a manual gear in the car. I'm that fed up. I've got more money in this car than could ever be reasonable and it's absolutely miserable to drive because of the steering.

Am I using incomparable parts? Is there a good vendor I can call to try and help me out?

[icemanrd19]

Location?

[99socalfrc]

I'm in Bakersfield California

[ccmc]

I'm running the stock LS1 1998 pump with a stock 1969 Camaro steering box, and everything is great. The only thing I can think of is your pressure readings coming out of the pump. I don't know what it should be, someone else would have to help with that.

Rick

[Z06vet]

I have run the LS1 pump with an Iroc box many times on several swaps. Any chance you have the pressure lines switched? Just a thought. If not, it sounds like you have a bind in one or more of the joints. I have had to adjust the set screw on the box in a couple instances. If its too tight, the steering will be tight & will not return. You can try backing it off a bit and see if that helps. If that checks out, move to the steering linkage. Jack up the car and disconnect the pitman arm from the drag link. You should be able to grab the tire and move the steering full lock to both sides. Also, check to see if you can you turn the steering wheel freely and smoothly? Hope this helps.

[99socalfrc]

Do you guys run a filter anywhere? The intermittent nature has me thinking maybe something is clogged?

[dhutton]

I was also thinking maybe you have the hoses reversed.

Don

[99socalfrc]

Pressure hose goes on the engine side of the box and the return hose goes on the fender side correct?

[Z06vet]

yes that is correct, at least on the iroc box.

[minendrews68]

There is a small screen (filter) in the return line (I believe), that screen can get clogged very easily. I've cleaned mine several times until putting a inline filter in.

[99socalfrc]

Any pics of the in line filter? I'm using Aeroquip lines not factory stuff, so any screens or filters in the stock lines are now gone on my car. Where could a guy buy an inline filter?

[andrewb70]

Could maybe also be an alignment issue.

Andrew

[Alongfortheride]

Make sure your aftermarket lines are completely clear. I have seen what some call a flapper floating in lines under certain situations. Causing an intermittent restriction

[99socalfrc]

Adding a filter didn't help anything. How could I check the lines? I just put a new pressure side hose on it last week (because the first only lasted 60 days before it started leaking). So unless that got clogged in a matter of days I just don't see that one being a problem. I suppose I could build a new return side line.

Sometimes the steering feels good. I can drive it and every 10 minutes the steering changes.

Anyone know of vendors who can help? It's getting pretty old the car sitting because it's miserable to drive. I feel like I should have just left the 50 year old steering box in it. It worked great.

[andrewb70]

Lee's is up and running again.

Andrew