I have an 84 Camaro Z28 that is just all over the place when it comes to steering. The car was just aligned not too long ago, and the tires and rims are brand new. I upgraded to 16 x 8.0 rims, hoping that the steering would tighten up somewhat from the stock 7 in wide rims... but it didn't work. The steering is VERY VERY easy to move. The car feels like I am driving an old Lincoln... I can pretty much push the steering wheel in any direction, and it will almost keep turning. The car is very sloppy even at 45MPH.. at high speeds, the car is dangerous. Did the Z28s come like this in 84?? Is it the gearing in the gear box?? If so, can I just go to a Discount Auto Parts and bolt on a newer IROC gear box? I have driven IROCs before, and the steering feels excellent... very firm. What can I do to make my steering better??


Thanks,
John

 

Assuming your suspension and linkage are in good condition, put a 12:1 F-body box in it. It should firm up your steering.

http://www.pssystem.com

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1986 IROC, 1992 Body Kit, 1989 5.7 IROC Engine, Crane Cam, 3" CVX Exhaust, ADS Superchip, 24# FoMoCo Injectors, Gutted Cat, AFPR (45 psi), Airfoil, 3.42 Gears, MAF Screens removed, Gutted Airbox, K&N Filters

 

Thanks.. what year and type of car do you suggest?? Also.. is it just a bolt in??

Thanks,
John

 

I had a similar problem with my '84. The steering box was loose so I adjusted it by loosening the bolt on the top and turning the allen screw 1/4 turn and then tightening up the lock nut. Also, my rag joint was REALLY loose, I replaced that and my steering was 110% better. Also make sure that there are no loose parts in your front end such as ball joints, center link, etc....
HTH

 

I just re-read your post and saw you have an 84 Z28, so unless your car had its steering box changed, you already have a 12:1 box in it. Your excessively easy power steering is probably due to a worn spool valve assembly inside your box. I would suggest a box out of an 85 - 92 IROC / Z28 / Trans Am with 16" wheels. Quick question: how many turns does your car have lock to lock? (Its not the most accurate way to determine the steering ratio, but its a good start)
http://www.pssystem.com

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Edwin
1986 IROC, 1992 Body Kit, 1989 5.7 IROC Engine, Crane Cam, 3" CVX Exhaust, ADS Superchip, 24# FoMoCo Injectors, Gutted Cat, AFPR (45 psi), Airfoil, 3.42 Gears, MAF Screens removed, Gutted Airbox, K&N Filters

 

What they said above--check the whole front end for loose suspension parts. Then get a good performance alignment. Alot of alignment shops will check to see that the camber is OK and reset the toe, so your alignment might be good for tire wear and suck for performance. The steering wheel not wanting to return to center indicates that the caster isn't high enough. The caster is sometimes not reset by an alignment shop because it won't affect tire wear very much(if the caster is 0 degrees the tires will usually wear the same as if the caster was +4.5 degrees, but drive completely different). The high caster will make the steering return better, handle better in the corners, and increase high speed stability.
One other thing, about the change in wheels and tires. The factory alignment specs that alignment shops use if you don't specify the specs change depend on wheel/tire options. Usually less camber, more caster, and about the same or less toe when going from the 15's to the 16's.
my preferred 3rd gen alignment:
camber -.5 left and right
caster +4.5 left +5.0 right
toe +1/16

If you don't trust my specs, use the specs for a 89 iroc with 16x8 wheels instead of the 84 Z28 specs.



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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro