Stupid quick question...

[Wildmani]

I think I already know the answer but I just want to make sure to put my mind at ease lol...

Will the steering box from a 1979 Firebird fit my '79 LeMans? I know the bolt patterns will be the same but I'm worried about my pitman arm fitting. Also, would I be correct in assuming that because it's a Firebird it would be close ratio? Note that it's from a Firebird not a Trans Am.

Thanks.

 

[Bonnewagon]

I have a Firebird box on my 83' Bonnewagon. It will fit perfect if they are the same series. By that I mean the 800 series with the 4 bolt cover. The snap ring cover type is the 600 series and the pitman arm shaft is smaller, same as a manual box. No guarantee on the ratio, it's probably not performance.

 

[deanlemans81]

Hey Wildmani, i`m not sure if a 2nd gen f-body will fit but a 3rd gen f-body box will. My buddy installed on from a 87 t/a on his 81 malibu with no problems.
Dean

 

[Wildmani]

Thanks Dean. Bonnewagon, My stock one has the snap ring type. I didn't know there was a difference until I bought one that is the 4 bolt type and then found out my pitman wouldn't fit. So now I need to find a new one. What pitman arm did you use with your 4 bolt type?

 

[Bonnewagon]

I found a Regal in the junkyard with the correct pitman arm and it was nicely exposed because the front clip was removed. However I needed a pitman arm puller and a BFH to get it off, much cursing and sweating. It would have been easier to grab the whole steering box but my Firebird unit was a mint rebuilt and I wanted to use it. The yard guy laughed at me and said $5. The reason you cannot buy a new one is because it's not a "wear" item, unlike the 60's arms with the ball joint in the end.