Power Steering - 1st gen Camaro

[BuddyP]

I'm kinda in the gray area here... so I'm just going to bluntly ask...

I have a '68 Camaro, want to put in power steering with tight ratio. Am currently rebuilding the front end and will have to put a gear box and steering system on.... what should I use? Keep in mind that I need to watch my budget. I've heard mid 80's Camaro box work. Do they bolt right up?

How much better is rack and pinion steering? What's a resonably priced setup there?

Anybody with some good used stuff laying around for sale??

Thanks
Buddy P

[Tom Welch]

I have decided on a ws-6 steering box from a 78 T/A. A1 Cardone sells second gen f-body quick ratio boxes. Lee manufacturing sells them too. Lee can set the ratio for you also. I've heard that rack-n-pinion setups have a lot of bumpsteer issues. I believe that simpler is most times better.

[MrQuick]

I picked up a 2 1/2 turn 2nd gen box at the wreckers for $35, it is direct swap. I think toms box has a firm feel with the WS6 option. Later model 3rd gens are nice but you have to modify em to work right.

[BuddyP]

Can you use the pitman arm from a gen 2 box also? How about the power steering pump itself from a gen 2?
Also, in what way do you have to modify the Gen 3 pumps to get them to work right?

[ks71z28]

I have 3rd gen steering box in my 71. The differences are the lines, which have a o-ring flare, and the input splines are a metric size. If you get a WS6 box the splines will be different as well. All 79 up boxes are metric splines i believe. The 3rd gen's out of IROC's are the best and aren't 30 years old. You will need to get adaptors for the lines, and adapt the rag joint to the new boxs spline shaft by using the one off the donor car. For the lines i took the donor cars down to a hydaulic shop and they adapted them for me. You Must change the steering arm to the year of your car with power steering. Also you will not have the overly sensative steering associated with the early cars, good luck

[rohrt]

I sent mine out to Lee. I think it was 300 to do the job. After hearing what a pain in the ass it was to get my pitman arm off the box for its rebuild I'm glad I went that route. Its my original box and now has the 12:1 ratio. I don't have the car on the road yet to give you a description of its manners.

[68Formula]

I'm interested in upgrading my 1st gen box as well. How did yours turn out and what was the final cost?

[David Pozzi]

I"ve got PS conversion info on my web page.
A rebuilt third gen box from a 89 IROC or Trans-Am with 16" wheels is the stiffest one, and you are assured the box isn't damaged internally from an accident. You need hose port adapters available from Lee MFG in Sun Valley, they have rag joints you need too.
David

[morrisclassic]

Dave,


I also used the same set up you mentioned,Lee Manufacturing rag joint
and fitting adapters,and 92 IROC steering box. Works great. I had to drill out the pump orifice a few thousands to overcome a hard steering problem while parking.

Billy

[73z-6sp]

I"ve got PS conversion info on my web page.
A rebuilt third gen box from a 89 IROC or Trans-Am with 16" wheels is the stiffest one, and you are assured the box isn't damaged internally from an accident. You need hose port adapters available from Lee MFG in Sun Valley, they have rag joints you need too.
David

Is there a website for Lee Manufacturing?

Thanks for the awesome website too! I think you just answered all my questions! Very cool!

Aaron

[BuddyP]

I'm interested in upgrading my 1st gen box as well. How did yours turn out and what was the final cost?

Havne't gotten too far yet. I did find a a box from a '88 GTA (I assume this is similar to the 'Z' box, or is a 'Z' box??). I believe it's 2 1/4 turns lock to lock. Seemed about right when I was spinning the pitman arm around on the box. I haven't gotten any further than buying it. Seems to not have any leaks? Guess I won't know until it has pressure running through it. Bought it for $75. Has around 60k-70k miles on it.

[chicane67]

Lee Power Steering