Help Identify Front Clip and Steering Box - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LuckyJoe · 10-31-2013, 02:17 PM

Hey guys, I sure hope someone can help me on this. I was told by the PO that it was a 78 or so Trans Am clip, but I'm thinking it may be Camero. However the sway bar is pretty big. I need to replace the steering box as it has too much slop for me (about 1"-1.5") at the steering wheel). I've checked and the slop is all in the box and nowhere else. How can I identify? I know it steers pretty quick but don't know the ratio 12-1 or 14-1. Any help would be appreciated. I don't post much, but I do a lot of reading and searches here. A great site.

Thanks, Joe,

aggie91 · 10-31-2013, 02:33 PM

My first guess was Camaro/Firebird since the Trans Am is the same thing, I would say the PO is correct. Go down to the local parts store and ask to look at a steering box for the '78 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am or '78 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, they are same front suspension... If it appears to be the same, most likely the PO was correct.

bdiamond · 10-31-2013, 07:01 PM

The 12.7 boxes will usually have a Z cast into them by the top cover. How many turns lock to lock?

Goats86 · 10-31-2013, 07:40 PM

I had a 74 Z28 that I put 455 HO Trans Am stabilizer bars and steering box on. It was straight bolt on. I would think in 78 they would still be similar

bdiamond · 11-01-2013, 12:20 AM

I think the lower control arm bushings changed around 75-76. The early will still interchange with late just different outside diameter on the bushings.

LuckyJoe · 11-01-2013, 09:20 AM

Thanks Guys for the replys. It's good to know the Trans Am and Camero are pretty much the same. I'll pull it out and head to various local parts stores, Napa I've found has had the most knowledged help in the past. The others always have to look it up. At least thats the way it is around here, Thanks again.

Joe,

andrewmp6 · 11-02-2013, 02:57 AM

Both the camaro and firebird are f bodies,They shared a ton between them from suspension and half the sheet metal is the same.The z28 and trans am both had pretty much the same upgraded suspension set up.If you want a laugh the x body aka nova used the same front subframe as a f body but the bumper mounts was different.

10-31-2013, 02:17 PM	#1
LuckyJoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Keller Tx. Posts: 21	Help Identify Front Clip and Steering Box Hey guys, I sure hope someone can help me on this. I was told by the PO that it was a 78 or so Trans Am clip, but I'm thinking it may be Camero. However the sway bar is pretty big. I need to replace the steering box as it has too much slop for me (about 1"-1.5") at the steering wheel). I've checked and the slop is all in the box and nowhere else. How can I identify? I know it steers pretty quick but don't know the ratio 12-1 or 14-1. Any help would be appreciated. I don't post much, but I do a lot of reading and searches here. A great site. Thanks, Joe, Attached Images

10-31-2013, 02:33 PM	#2
aggie91 I'm just glad to be here! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 4,788	Re: Help Identify Front Clip and Steering Box My first guess was Camaro/Firebird since the Trans Am is the same thing, I would say the PO is correct. Go down to the local parts store and ask to look at a steering box for the '78 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am or '78 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, they are same front suspension... If it appears to be the same, most likely the PO was correct. __________________ Karl 1965 Chevy Stepside(Grandpa's Old Blue) and (July 2015 Shop Build!)(2020, the Saga Continues) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372424 The LST Challenge: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7812257 Korbin's 1st Square: "Sunburn" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=418618 1985 GMC Sierra: "White Trash", Korbin's 2nd now... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632305 Henry - 1984 Chevrolet, Owen's 1st Square

10-31-2013, 07:01 PM	#3
bdiamond Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Posts: 459	Re: Help Identify Front Clip and Steering Box The 12.7 boxes will usually have a Z cast into them by the top cover. How many turns lock to lock?

10-31-2013, 07:40 PM	#4
Goats86 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 144	Re: Help Identify Front Clip and Steering Box I had a 74 Z28 that I put 455 HO Trans Am stabilizer bars and steering box on. It was straight bolt on. I would think in 78 they would still be similar

11-01-2013, 12:20 AM	#5
bdiamond Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Posts: 459	Re: Help Identify Front Clip and Steering Box I think the lower control arm bushings changed around 75-76. The early will still interchange with late just different outside diameter on the bushings.

11-01-2013, 09:20 AM	#6
LuckyJoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Keller Tx. Posts: 21	Re: Help Identify Front Clip and Steering Box Thanks Guys for the replys. It's good to know the Trans Am and Camero are pretty much the same. I'll pull it out and head to various local parts stores, Napa I've found has had the most knowledged help in the past. The others always have to look it up. At least thats the way it is around here, Thanks again. Joe,

11-02-2013, 02:57 AM	#7
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Help Identify Front Clip and Steering Box Both the camaro and firebird are f bodies,They shared a ton between them from suspension and half the sheet metal is the same.The z28 and trans am both had pretty much the same upgraded suspension set up.If you want a laugh the x body aka nova used the same front subframe as a f body but the bumper mounts was different.



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