1970 Camaro. Project "Cindy" by iregret

3 minute(s) of a 206 minute read

Today I finished what I started the other day. First I took the assembled and painted steering linkages out of storage. Then I made sure they were similar to the stock steering linkages. I measured each section and adjusted the new setup to match.

Looks like Cindy could use an alignment. LOL

Next, I modified the driver's side spindle like I did for the passengers side spindle. I made enough room to fit a socket over the bolts that hold the calipers to the bracket. I added RED locktite, and torqed them down to 120ftlbs. Then I cut off all the wheel studs that I didn't get to the other day.

After that I installed all the steering linkages.

Here are all the torque specs:
Tie Rod
35ftlbs to 50ftlbs

Relay Rod (Centerlink?)
Install relay rod to idler arm
Tighten to 35ftlbs

Pitman Arm
Pitman arm to spindle 180ftlbs
Pitman arm to relay rod 35ftlbs

Idler Arm
Idler arm to frame 50ftlbs
Idler arm to relay rod 50ftlbs

Be sure to install all the cotter pins!

After that, I was going to install the sway bar, but found out that I am missing the bushing bolts. I have to go pick those up tomorrow.

Hooray! I can steer again!

Cindy back down on all fours, with all the lug nuts installed.

I am wondering how much these springs are going to settle. I weigh over 200 lbs and stood in the engine bay. I think the springs moved down about 1/4 inch. I wonder how much they will move down with the weight of the small block with iron heads, transmission and everything? I guess we'll find out!

Maybe tomorrow I can get to painting the engine. I have been holding off on that because my boy wanted to paint it.