Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh69
I did so because it's easier and cheaper to replace the tie rods with Camaro parts in the event of a failure. I used a '69 Camaro centerlink, idler arm, and tie-rods. I used the stock Firebird steering arms and spindles (s/b the same as Camaro parts, the arms could differ but not likely). You will also need a '68 Firebird pitman arm because it's curved to fit around the headers. The Camaro pitman is straight and will hit the exhaust. The Firebird centerlink is not serviceable, meaning the balljoints cannot be repaired, you need a whole new centerlink if it fails. The Camaro part is just a bar with tapered holes for the joints, so much simpler. Plus, the Pontiac part is crap and was designed terribly. There is what is referred to as a 'tight' joint on one end of it to give it just enough play to not bind, but is not actually a balljoint, and that is the reason it's not serviceable. Using all new parts, the cost is about the same. I had the used Camaro centerlink and my steering arms and spindles powdercoated. Everything else was new. The '68 pitman wasn't cheap at around $130, but spending $300 on a '69 Firebird centerlink was less appealing, much less so dealing with a repair. This car is a driver, so it was worth it to make the change IMHO.
It sounds like the only change you need to make is the pitman arm.
It clears my stock as well as an aftermarket stock replacement oil pan. I am a little nervous about the Canton pan, but we'll find out soon enough.
|
Thanks for the info. My main concern when looking at the parts was that the center link seemed to sit higher up on the Camaro setup. I did not realize that the pitman arm was different; I'll have to check it out. My entire Firebird subframe is in my backyard with all the steering components attached so I can compare the two.
