I can get a steering box from a mid 70's camaro for free for my 66 chevelle. Is it worth the swap ratio wise? what do I need to change? The end cap, steering arm? Thanks, POP

If the unit is pre 77 it will be easier to swap in. There were a bunch of posts about swapping mid 80's units. You would have to swap the pittman arm, swapping the end caps would keep the stock turning radius.

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Frank W
Gen X Member#22 (MA)
73 Malibu Coupe
Mighty 305 Power

Is the number of turns from lock to lock any beter than the one thats already in the car. the one in the car is the original unit.
thanks POP

Try this link, it may help you. http://azonline.com/~jimmy if you need more info e-mail jimmy he'll be glad to help you.


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Rick Schaefer
72 El Camino
TPI 350/700r4
Aces #00140
TEAM CHEVELLE #00038
NCOA #16197

Pop,
I think a mid-70's Camaro will have a box that's about 3 turns lock-to-lock. You can compare that to what you have now, personally I think it's it's worth it. If it's off a Z or T-A it might have better feel, too. The Chevelle boxes have a *lot* of assist.

Tom (you might have to dink around with the rag joint, too. Get the one that was on the Camaro box if you can, you can do a make-2-into-1 deal if the stub shaft on the box is the bigger size.)

Thanks very much guys I think I'll go ahead with this swap. This sight is great, keep up the awsome work , POP

Important!!! You must remove the steering stops! Or say good buy U-turns (5 lane turn around). The pitman arm, steering box and tie rod ends all make up the steering ratio. These stops must be removed any time you install a Camaro box on a Chevelle. Also you should use the pressure relief valve from the Camaro power steering pump, if not over time you'll wind up with a leaking system. The hose's may or may not need to be customized some late model cars use metric hoses. 1970 hoses should be a direct swap?!? I just went through this on two Elcamino's a '67 and a '69. Email me for more info at energy@foxinternet.net Dale

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I usually just put in a ps box from a 70-72 monte carlo, check it first but most are 3 turns lock to lock instead of the usual 4, pitman arm is the same, hose hookups the same, straight bolt in change...no sweat or hassles..

How do you remove the steering stops?

Just something to think about. If your car makes regular trips down the 1/4 mile, you may want to consider not doing the swap.

Cars set up for running the 1/4 are easier to drive with less sensetive steering. When your car is up to 130 mph, you do not want ultra responsive steering because that makes the car "dart" around at speed.

But, If this is your daily driver, the change is awesome and is well worth it.

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Ted Stojkovski
Syracuse, NY
Team Chevelle
Member#172

GUS - I'm currently working on a '70 Camaro box for a '69 Elcamino. You have to take it completely apart, so have a master rebuild kit on hand. One steering stop is part of the round aluminum cover, the other is deeper inside & like a BIG snap-ring about 3" dia and .187" thick. This can be pulled out with a long screw driver. The thickness (approx .187") is the amount you need to removed from the aluminum stop (cover). Also beware!!! There are 24 ball bearings that are two different sizes, .150" & .160" and sometimes differ in brightness. You must alternate the sizes when reinstalling them or you'll get a 'catching' or 'hang-up' when cornering. It can be intimidating at first but it gets easier after you've done a couple. The kit comes with an exploded view of the pump and basic assembly instructions. Next thing you know all your buddies will want you to do theirs also. The rag joint, hoses, and pressure valve will need to be addressed also. I was encouraged to do mine when I discoverd the cost of a new one $400-$500. It's best to use a late model 'cuz they're not as worn inside. You'll go from 20:1 to about 12.5:1 you'll end up with 3 turns stop to stop.

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Pop,

I would bolt the camaro box in and drive it to see if the steering stops are OK. I bet you will lose very little, if any, steering radius. That box should bolt right up. It has standard fittings. Metric fittings started in 1980. I would also use your original pump. I have used my original pump for 2 years with a 1988 TA box with zero problems. The steering stops are still a little bit of a mystery. One stop is the end cap. You can just use your original end cap instead. Some say there is another stop machined into the housing. I've had "experts" tell me the housings are the same. So I actually don't know. Someday, I will find out.

Good Luck,


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Jim Endrud - Gold #45
72 El Camino SS Clone
azonline.com/~jimmy (http://azonline.com/~jimmy)

The pervious owner of my 67 put in a after market unit from Muscle factroy. It is very nice but would be nice if the lock to lock was a little less. it is 3 and i think a quarter now??? anyone know what the lock to lock on these are?

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Hot66ss

66 ss
67 malibu
Aces Member 2380
Team Chevelle member #262
GEN X Member #15
Http://members.aol.com/chvellss

Thanks Cardiac. I have a 71 TA box in my Chevelle and always wondered why my turning radius suffered. Thanks for the detailed description!

Thanks Jimmy I think I'll do just that...later