69 Camaro Power Steering Arms

[Hotrodpaul]

Were there different arms used for front steering on the 69 Camaro for manual vs power steering. I heard the power steering arms were shorter to give a faster ratio and quicker steering? Also looking for a used set of power steering arms.

Thanks, Paul

[KevinW]

Yes, there were 2 versions: long (3954873 RH and 3954874 LH) and short (3954875 LH and 3954876 RH). Good luck on the hunt!

From CRG http://www.camaros.org/suspen.shtml#steer

69 Manual Steering
69 manual steering boxes used an aluminum cover.

Most 69's used the same manual steering gear. Changes to the steering linkage were used to change the overall steering ratio. Regular cars were equipped with a shorter 5.25" pitman arm (forging # 3953219) and longer steering arms (3954873 RH and 3954874 LH). Z28 and RPO N44 (special steering) cars utilized a longer pitman arm (forging # 3953227, 5.8" center-center) and shorter steering arms.

A special fast-ratio manual steering gear was used for Z28's with RPO N44. The manual Z28 with N44 used with the same longer pitman arm and shorter steering arm combination as listed above. Z28's with N44 are very uncommon (and not fun to drive).

69 Power Steering
All 69's used the same variable ratio power steering gearbox with approximately 2 1/3 turns lock to lock. Non-Z28 and non-SS cars with power steering used a 5.25" pitman arm (forging # 3953219) and longer steering arms. Z28, SS, and RPO N44 had a faster overall ratio by using a longer 5.8" pitman arm (forging # 3953227) combined with shorter steering arms (3954875 LH and 3954876 RH). Z28, L78, and COPO cars had a deep groove pulley on the power steering pump.

[William]

Well, not that simple.

A standard production manual-steering Camaro used the same steering arms as a standard Camaro with power steering.

Z/28 equipment included fast-ratio manual steering. The arms were the same if it had optional power steering.

A Camaro SS ordered with power steering received the fast-ratio arms, same as a Z/28.

The pitman arm on the steering gear also differs; it's longer for fast-ratio steering. Also, power & manual pitman arms do not interchange.

N44 could be ordered with drum brakes; those steering arms are not the same as disc brake arms.

[luv2sixty9]

I have an extra set of the shorter Quick Ratio Arms 3954875 LH and 3954876 RH $175.00 Shipped

[KevinW]

William, maybe some additions to the CRG paragraph are needed? :D thx

[bbbentley]

Well, not that simple..

...N44 could be ordered with drum brakes; those steering arms are not the same as disc brake arms.

You sure Bill? My drum brake car has N44 and has the 875-876 arms?

[William]

I no longer have a 1970 P & A manual; I believe that's where the special steering w/drum brake listing was. The May 1980 manual categorizes steering arms as 'exc disc brakes' or 'w/frt disc brakes' for 67-69 Camaro and 70-74 Nova.

[KevinW]

Hmm, I have a 74 P&A. long knuckles 73 and 74 are for 69 Camaro (exc. P/S, Spec. Strg., 302). knuckles 75 and 76 are for 69 Camaro w/PS (exc Spec. Strg.) and 69 Camaro w/Disc Brakes (302).

So what was Special Steering? It seems both sets say "except" :)

[Kurt S]

Duh! My bad. I know the pitman arms don't interchange. I think I had it right, then screwed it up, somehow.... Will fix.

[Kurt S]

William, maybe some additions to the CRG paragraph are needed? :D thx

I don't think so. I went through it again and everything matches what Bill says. He words it differently, but both agree.
I formatted it a bit different to try to make it easier to read.