Just wondering if anyone has come across the sterring gear breaking the frame where it is bolted. I bought a junker that I am working on and am looking for possible causes, and fixes other than the obvious frame shop fix.

 

This is a weak spot in the 3rd gen frames. It is common on older cars with lots of miles. Low speed turns put huge strain on this area, especially if you have big tires. The factory fix was the "Wonderbar", you can get one from Global West for like $45.

 

i know they make a kit to fix this area on blazers,
http://www.coloradok5.com/ordframebrace.shtml
i was thinking this might be able to work on a camaro too.
any thoughts?

 

I just welded mine back up.Its worked so far.

 

I had the same problem on my 83 TA. The force of the steering gear just tore the metal in the inner fender. I had the "tear" itself welded and it just happened again. The proper way to fix it is to have someone weld a plate around the tear and weld all the way around (360 degrees) the plate. I guess similar to that Blazer fix. The problem never came back after the plate reinforcement.