CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: boomer632 on February 23, 2024, 02:09:50 PM

Title: 69 SS BB Manual Steering "downgrade"
Post by: boomer632 on February 23, 2024, 02:09:50 PM

Im kicking around the idea of going to manual steering from my current power steering set up. Steering arm length / pitman length etc is getting a bit confusing to me after reading up on them. My car is a factory 4 speed BB car with non tilt factory column and front disks.

I have a 5679142 Camaro gear that is dated for my car.

I would like to know the proper GM part numbers for:
1) Correct GM part number pitman arm (short or long) whichever is correct
2) Correct GM part number for L&R steering arms
3) Correct rag joint coupling kit

Maybe someone can chime in with a parts list for this project.

Title: Re: 69 SS BB Manual Steering "downgrade"
Post by: william on February 23, 2024, 02:51:44 PM

A Camaro SS would have fast-ratio power steering. Short steering arms, longer [5.75"] pitman arm. If the manual steering gear has the fast ratio pitman arm and manual rag joint, bolts right in. If not, you will have to find long steering arms from a disc brake car. Think the manual rag joint is still serviced.

Both fast ratio pitman arms have the same forging number but are machined differently for manual and power. Long discontinued, not serviced.

Should be easy to find a manual box off a Z/28. Removed by an owner that quickly tired of heavy, numb, miserable manual steering. 

I have absolutely no idea why anyone would do this.

Title: Re: 69 SS BB Manual Steering "downgrade"
Post by: Jon Mello on February 23, 2024, 03:40:03 PM

The steering arms should be 3954875 and 3954876.  The pitman arm should be 3953227.  The manual pitman arm will have an M stamped on the splined end and the one for power steering will have a P stamped on it.  I prefer manual steering personally so no judgement on my end.

Title: Re: 69 SS BB Manual Steering "downgrade"
Post by: boomer632 on February 23, 2024, 04:32:28 PM

Thank you Jon. Thats what I was looking for. I dont like how my power steering feels and I drive the car to get that visceral driving experience. So manual steering is what im prob going to do. 

Title: Re: 69 SS BB Manual Steering "downgrade"
Post by: GMAD_Van Nuys on February 23, 2024, 05:16:25 PM

You might consider buying a Borgeson power steering box 800130 from Classic Industries:

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/1969/chevrolet/camaro/parts/800130.html

Anyone using a Borgeson steering box that can comment on the installation and steering feel? 

Title: Re: 69 SS BB Manual Steering "downgrade"
Post by: KurtS on February 25, 2024, 01:55:06 AM

Did you see http://www.camaros.org/suspen.shtml#steer?

Title: Re: 69 SS BB Manual Steering "downgrade"
Post by: boomer632 on February 25, 2024, 02:12:01 AM

Thanks Kurt. I did see that and other resources. I was hoping it could get some correct part / foging numbers so make a mistake with wrong parts