69 firebird steering

gallup · 07-04-09, 08:14 AM

Nothing like starting out on a project and hitting a wall right away. I notice that the 69 bird seems to be unique in steering components. Namely the center/drag link and pitman arm. Either real hard to find or extremely expensive when older or newer by only a year are cheap by comparison. One for a v-6 equipt car is cheap. What is the diff on these and would they interchange? My guess is that the pitman is probably diff as well as the inner tie rod holes? Perhaps even a diameter or strength difference? I am practically rebuilding the entire front end so changing to something else would not hurt my feelings. I am talking about 500 bucks for a drag link and haven't found a pitman arm yet. Sort of shocked but still looking.

thanks,
Mike

gallup · 08-03-09, 10:28 PM

Found an Ebayer with a few cheap drag links for 69 birds for $240.00 shipped. Never thought I would think of that as a cheap drag link. Pitman is fine with new drag ling but idler has a bit of play in it. Looks like Classic Industries beats everyone's price on this idler at 48 bucks. Starting to handle better with some upper a-arm bushings in there now too.

poncho1961 · 08-04-09, 06:27 AM

Kinda going straight now without turning the wheel I'll bet?

gallup · 08-05-09, 06:33 AM

much better, or at least on the right track now. Nice to hit the brake and not jerk toward the centerline due to the play in the centerlink.
Much more to do, nice to get started.

mrpontiac65 · 08-09-09, 02:59 PM

I found a Center Link for '69 Firebird 8 cyl. $321.29

Idler Arm $151.78

at California Pontiac Restoration's
Pontiac Parts and Pontiac Auto Parts - California Pontiac Restoration

gallup · 08-09-09, 04:20 PM

Thanks for the lead, but I already bought both...Center link on ebay from:
eBay My World - coastalvintage

and the Idler Arm at Classic Industries for about 50 bucks. Shocked they were the
cheapest, but happy none the less.

Gonna head to the alignment shop soon and get some stock meats on this car and the drag skinnies off. Should feel a lot better soon.

69wwbsfirebird · 10-08-09, 05:54 AM

Hey I'm doing the steering on my 69 bird too and it looks to me like it's completely stock. What should I do/ have ta do to make it steer nice? I heard you can take a steering gearbox from a 79 trans am and it will bolt right in and give me the 2.2 steering ratio so it doesn't feel like I'm drivin a boat. Is that true and as easy as it sounds?

Pontiaddict · 10-08-09, 06:27 AM

Just because its here... in regards the '69 Firebird steering components, PST Performance Suspension Technology has the centerlink and idler at great prices, and they dont charge tax or shipping to listed prices.

gallup · 10-08-09, 06:40 AM

I left mine stock with heavy duty parts where available, drag link on this car is heavy duty piece, I'm going to use Hotchkis sway bar and do have urethane bushings throughout. Orielly's has quick ration box for 69 for a very good price locally here and had it in stock. Shocked me and I used it. Good steering with the quick ration box. I'm all original too if later down the road I have to replace something again.

Pontiaddict · 10-08-09, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gallup

I left mine stock with heavy duty parts where available, drag link on this car is heavy duty piece, I'm going to use Hotchkis sway bar and do have urethane bushings throughout. Orielly's has quick ration box for 69 for a very good price locally here and had it in stock. Shocked me and I used it. Good steering with the quick ration box. I'm all original too if later down the road I have to replace something again.

yep I posted the exact same results and opinion in your other thread...

poncho1961 · 10-08-09, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69wwbsfirebird

Hey I'm doing the steering on my 69 bird too and it looks to me like it's completely stock. What should I do/ have ta do to make it steer nice? I heard you can take a steering gearbox from a 79 trans am and it will bolt right in and give me the 2.2 steering ratio so it doesn't feel like I'm drivin a boat. Is that true and as easy as it sounds?

Box will bolt to the frame no problem. You will have to reuse your old pitman arm or by new as 79 will not work on the 69. Someone here will step up and know if the power steering hoses are metric on the 79 or if that happened later. If it is, adaptors are available.

Mr. HARDCORE · 10-11-09, 12:46 PM

I think they are metric, (don't quote me on that,) but even so, you can change the pump as well. Those power steering pumps are pretty easy to find, and will bolt up to most heads the same way. With me not knowing what heads you are running, I'm guessing you shouldn't have any problems.

gallup · 10-12-09, 06:05 AM

I was thinking they are metric also, but wasn't sure so didn't say. If it is metric I think you can get adaptors to make old pump fit, but matching pump would be easier. When I found the availability of the old quick ratio at local parts store, and much cheaper than the online stores I had been browsing I stuck to that route.

Pontiaddict · 10-12-09, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gallup

I was thinking they are metric also, but wasn't sure so didn't say. If it is metric I think you can get adaptors to make old pump fit, but matching pump would be easier. When I found the availability of the old quick ratio at local parts store, and much cheaper than the online stores I had been browsing I stuck to that route.

I agree wholeheartedly! I have done this before, I have also tried to fit hose's to a later pump before. Dont try it its not worth the effort when you can use the OE quick ratio box and achieve the desired results.

poncho1961 · 10-12-09, 06:56 AM

I've installed a box from a 77 TA in my 67 GTO. Bolted right in including the hose ends. Knocked off over a complete turn from lock to lock, and was a simple bolt in.

gallup · 10-13-09, 12:49 PM

I guess this means that the original quick ratio is a sure thing, and for some the later model will bolt right in and work. But I have heard of some having to do some kind of conversion to the hoses or something. Also the later model ones are pretty well worn by now too, so how much better is it than your old one on wear? If you already have the late model box, I think I would try that out, but if not I would surely price a quick ratio locally at your parts store.

poncho1961 · 10-13-09, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gallup

I guess this means that the original quick ratio is a sure thing, and for some the later model will bolt right in and work. But I have heard of some having to do some kind of conversion to the hoses or something. Also the later model ones are pretty well worn by now too, so how much better is it than your old one on wear? If you already have the late model box, I think I would try that out, but if not I would surely price a quick ratio locally at your parts store.

Late 70s early 80s went metric on the hose ends. Either use an adapter, or use the power steering pump that goes with the box.

gallup · 10-14-09, 07:30 PM

There's that definitive answer we needed to get us in the know!

Thanks Rick

69wwbsfirebird · 02-06-10, 10:44 PM

Thanks guys all that info helped a lot. I'm looking for an old parts car now to see if I can find a quick ratio gearbox

gallup · 02-07-10, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69wwbsfirebird

Thanks guys all that info helped a lot. I'm looking for an old parts car now to see if I can find a quick ratio gearbox

Might do as I stated and check with your local Orielly's Auto, mine had one in stock that was quick ratio. Rebuilt with no slop and a used one may be worn out at the age of this car.
my 2 cents

Mike