I have a 69 firebird that I am coverting from manual steering to power. I got a power steering gear with pitman arm and I'm looking for some fitment assistance. The casting number is 5691676, there is a stamping on the cover 5686555, the lock to lock is roughly 2.25 turns. I would like to confirm this is correct / or will work in my 69. I looked around and I think I'm good but would like some input.
The pitman arm is curved and has 7806616 on it. I think I read that a 7806617 was the correct number for a 69 with power steering but I can not find where the 7806616 is suposed to be used. FYI the pitman arm is curved but does not drop down like the straighter manual steering pitman. The one thing with this pitman is the end is female and the manual I took off has a male end
The power pitman is indeed curved. Many power steering boxes will fit in the bird so I'm sure if it matches in dimensions etc it will work. If it is a newer box it may need a hose adapter kit from Lee.
Last edited by Dave's Langley '68 Droptop; 08/10/1110:42 AM.
If the pitman arm has a female end, it's the wrong one. You might have a third gen box/arm which may actually be a good conversion, but you need the right pitman, rag joint, and hose adapters. Go to camaros.net and search for "third gen conversion". I have them in both my '68 Camaro and '68 Firebird. They make an amazing difference in steering feel.
My 69 400 with P/S has the curved female pitman arm. The firbird center link had studs for the idler arm and pitman arm. The camaro center link was all female for pitman/idler arms and tie rod ends. Take a look at the photo in this link to see what the Firbird venter link should look like.
Both the steering box and pitman arm casting numbers are the same on my 69. I think 7806617 is a typo in the parts maanual. My car has the original variable ratio PS.
