Hey guys, I have a question. I found a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula in the junkyard. I was wondering if the steering box off of the Firebird would work in my 1972 El Camino. What is involved in swaping out the boxes? Is it a direct bolt in. Is the steering box out of this car a good choice. I don't want to get into a box from a newer car becuase I don't want to mess with any internals. Oh, this Firebird Formula seemed to have a pretty heavy duty suspension on it. It had a 1 1/4" front sway bar. It also had a rear bar. I already got the front bar. One last question, what is the ratio for this box?

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Bryan Shook
My website with lots of classic cars (http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/speedway/6673)
1972 Chevrolet El Camino Options, Codes & Pricing (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/6673/elky-options.html)
Favorite Quote: Some people have shrinks. Some people have their garage.

72,
You seem like your on the right track with the box coming off the F-body but I would watch out for the internal stops limiting your turning radius. I think it was '82 before GM went to metric instead of the SAE but I could be wrong. Most likely what you have (if the car was a Formula or T/A) is a 12.7:1 box which is a quick ratio. I'm not an expert into this area but if my memory serves me correct it will bolt up but it seems like you may have to have a different rag joint for the steering column to bolt up correctly. Any other guys actually done this? I'm wondering too about the swap, as the local pick your part has a mid to late 70's Firebird Formula that is calling my name. I do know that the sway bar will bolt up too. Go to this website. Jimmy will set you straight on the subject http://members.home.net/jimmy4/gearpg1.htm Good luck.



[This message has been edited by 72SSAbody (edited 08-11-2000).]

You have probably checked out this thread http://www.chevelles.com/forum/Forum10/HTML/002187.html

Check out my posts there since I have done this swap. The 70's F body box should have the 12:1 ratio but still low road feel. A plus is the 70's F body should have similar turn radius and hose fittings. If 76 or earlier it will bolt right in. Sounds like that formula has the WS-6 option since the large sway bar up front. The base model box is crappier than your elkys is so look for a top option car T/A Formula Z-28 etc. Go for the Monte SS box swap if you can, the pick your part will charge you the same price for either unit but the 83 ish up boxes have drastically better road feel

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Frank W
Arlington MA
74 Laguna S3 !! 305 Crane Blazer 284 Cam
73 Malibu Coupe Organ donor living on in my Laguna and other cars

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