I've been looking for a new steering column lately and noticed that
people seem to make it a point to say whether it came from an auto or manual tranny car.

My question is this, I have an '86 T/A with a 305 and 700r4. Will a steering column from any 82 - 92 Camaro/Firebird fit or do I need one from a specific year with an auto trans?

Thanks!

 

If you are dealing with parts counter staff they are looking at a computer that asks ?'s that have to be answered before it will give a part #

Only difference that I know of is the manual has a lever that must be pushed to turn the key back all the way .

 

An '86 won't have a VATS cylinder nor the wires. The rest should be a direct fit.

 

As stated...manual to automatic are different...the automatic steering column have a lock incorporated in the column that stops the key from going to the off and removable position unless the car is in park. The manual tranny steering column has a button that must be pushed to pull the key out. 90-92 has something called a vats system, which is a GM security system with syncronized keys.

All in all they should all (automatic tranny obviously) work especially since you have an '86 without VATs. (not sure if you can use 90-92, because of the VATs, wiring may need to be re-done, i'm not sure)

 

It's just I found one on ebay off of an '87 IROC. Non-tilt and was curious whether it'd work or not. I think if I get it my dad will be putting it in his '86 Z and I'll use the tilt out of his Z.

 

should work if the doner car is auto and i believe you said yours was.

 

I don't see why it wouldn't work from a manual tranny car if all I have to do is push a button to turn the key to the lock position.

 

Just put the manual steering column in and start the car. there is only one difference and that is in the ignition switch and the lock cylinder. but if you have all of that from the other car than your already set.

Take the entire column out of your donor and put it right in your new car. turn key drive away.

 

The auto cars have a cable that goes from the shifter, to the column, for things like the key, as noted. The difference between a VATS, and Non-VATS column, is the lock cylinder, and that's it. (it has wires for VATS....)

 

why are you replacing it if it is because it is floppy that is repairable

 

The cable from an auto column can be removed, so the column can be used in an manual trans car.

 

in my 82 the shifter works without the key in it, the shifter makes the lower column housing rotate with it

everything seems fine

it is a factory 200C car



is this right ?

never have fully understood how this park lock cable deal is supposed to work

even afer owning many auto trans 3rd gen f bodies

i cant remember any of them not being able to shift without the key in the switch

hmm