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slack in steering, gearbox mount cracked

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Old Jun 18, 2018 | 05:45 PM
  #1  
jstadmud's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 82
Likes: 8
From: North Carolina
Car: 1987 IROC Z28
Engine: 5.0 liter
Transmission: 700R-4
Axle/Gears: 273 posi trac
slack in steering, gearbox mount cracked

Front end was all over the road on way home. Found out why and now wondering who else has had this problem, and the best way to go about fixing it. Steering gearbox mounting location is, less than in good condition... I unbolted the gearbox, the front anti sway bar and bracket, then cleaned off the paint. Looks kinda grim, how much trouble is this going to be to repair? Any guidance anyone can offer is greatly appreciated.
Attached Thumbnails slack in steering, gearbox mount cracked-imag2528.jpg   slack in steering, gearbox mount cracked-imag2533.jpg  
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Old Jun 18, 2018 | 05:53 PM
  #2  
mmadden55's Avatar
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 6
From: Houson
Car: 86 Firebird
Engine: 305 SBC
Transmission: 700 R4 TCI
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: slack in steering, gearbox mount cracked

Have it welded up should be fine, may need to weld in a piece from a donor car or steel stock cut to fit.
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Old Jun 18, 2018 | 06:08 PM
  #3  
tealman92's Avatar
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 998
Likes: 19
From: Ontario, California
Car: 1992 Z28
Engine: 383
Transmission: 700R4
Re: slack in steering, gearbox mount cracked

I have a car that had the same issue. Have the cracks welded up then have an 1/4 inch plate welded to the otherside (wheel well side) will be good as new
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Old Jun 18, 2018 | 07:00 PM
  #4  
Drew's Avatar
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From: Salina, KS
Re: slack in steering, gearbox mount cracked

"Cracks." Missing chunks is more accurate. You can see into the frame rail yo.

I think at the very least I'd be looking for a donor frame rail. Might be able to weld in some generic steel and make it work, but you've got your work cut out for you. Once it's welded up, add a wonder bar, and make sure the triangle brace is bolted to the opposite side of the frame and the battery tray.
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Old Jun 18, 2018 | 08:35 PM
  #5  
jstadmud's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 82
Likes: 8
From: North Carolina
Car: 1987 IROC Z28
Engine: 5.0 liter
Transmission: 700R-4
Axle/Gears: 273 posi trac
Re: slack in steering, gearbox mount cracked

Thanks for the advice guys, I appreciate it. I like the idea of reinforcing the other side as well, good thinking. Looks like I have my work cut out for me on this one. I will post pics when I get done, see how it turns out
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Old Jun 18, 2018 | 08:50 PM
  #6  
jstadmud's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 82
Likes: 8
From: North Carolina
Car: 1987 IROC Z28
Engine: 5.0 liter
Transmission: 700R-4
Axle/Gears: 273 posi trac
Re: slack in steering, gearbox mount cracked

How much play room is there? If I weld 1/8 of an inch steel to the frame rail and then remount the box, how bad you think that would affect the steering and stability? Just trying to figure out the easiest way...and still be safe
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Old Jun 18, 2018 | 10:32 PM
  #7  
Jorlain's Avatar
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 667
Likes: 16
From: Brainerd, MN
Car: '84 Trans Am
Engine: 357 SBC
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 3.73, Torsen Diff
Re: slack in steering, gearbox mount cracked

If you're going to reinforce it, you need to do it from the backside. Which essentially means cutting out enough to get said reinforcement in place and your welding torch simultaneously. Then welding back in whatever you took out. Fun times.
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