This is interesting. The Monte SS uses an FD coded steering rod assembly, with an ESTIMATED part number of 7838627 (my best guess, last 2 numbers are suspect). The question is...what's different between the PC and FD? Anyone with access to one of these labels to check for sure what the number is? Fat chance, but gotta ask. AFAIK, there's only one difference, besides the decal and the orange vs. blue paint stripe. I'm guessing the paint stripe delineates something as well. The SS paint mark matches the decal color, but the 442 light blue mark doesn't match the white decal. Ironically, the 86-88 blue stripe would be the same as the light blue PC decal in Pontiac plant. Odd.
Here's another one. Note also the nut on the center link to pitman arm.
No cotter pin!
Apparently, the factory did not use castle nuts with cotter pins. I believe these are supposed to be single use nuts as the new over the counter GM tie rods and center links, etc., come with castle nuts and crimp flanged style nuts for replacements. Note too that the MCSS used orange paint codes on the frame motor mounts.
What I know so far...
Steering gear between SS and Hurst/442, Pontiac GP with F41- Same p/n 7843135. Interestingly, Buick GN did NOT come with the 7843135 box best I can tell. Touring and Sport Suspension only.
Inner tie rods- Same as PC parts.
outer tie rods- Same as PC parts.
Tie Rod/Center Link seals- Same as PC parts.
Tie Rod clamps- Same as PC parts.
Pitman arm- Same as PC parts.
Idler arm- Same as PC parts.
Center link. Cutlass with any/all suspension options uses p/n 7835787. Monte Carlo OTHER than F41 suspension uses the same. Monte/Elky/Cabby with F41 uses p/n 7837638.
Center link is the ONLY difference between the FD and PC front end steering components. Exactly how it differs I do not know. But I imagine it is that difference that changes the letter/part number codes and component ID colors.
Conveniently, the aftermarket, like Moog, consolidated ALL those part numbers into DS909, and the like.
And Buick GN's used the PC stuff all the way up to the end as well, apparently.
From Kirban's Buick website below, here's a pic of a PC label on a Pontiac-built GN. I also had someone who kept theirs from their 87 442 send a pic of theirs. This is how I know the fonts are different.
Here's a pic of the VERY LAST Buick GN with some of the build information. Never have seen a Pontiac (or lansing) build sheet like we're used to seeing. But they had what they called broadcast sheets. One sheet had more info on it than others. Note the one on the left, next to last line on the right. You'll see the code "PC" under the steering linkage. They used the light blue tags up in there from 86-88 AFAIK.