Idler arms and pitman arms??

[speedphreake]

Does anyone know what differences there are between Monza and Vegas and the different years? Power vs non-power? Centerlinks too if you know.

I have a new "Vega style" steering box. It has different splined shafts and need to figure out what will work. The new box has 32 small splines for the pitman arm and the original box has 28. I also read somewhere the Monza centerlink hangs lower than the vega centerlinks? Is that true?

[cosvega76]

There were basically 3 types of steering gearboxes used on H-bodies. For manual steering, there were the small Vega box, like you have, and the regular Saginaw manual box, similar to those used in the larger cars.

The Vega box was used in all Vegas (except for some Cosworths), and I believe early 4-cylinder Monzas. Its pitman arm is unique. The center link has a gap between the joint for the pitman arm and the hole for the left inner tie rod end.

The Saginaw box was used in non-4-cylinder Monzas, Skyhawks, etc., some Cosworths, and late 4-cylinder Monzas, etc. The pitman arm is similar to the power steering arm, except for the smaller spline count. Both the Saginaw manual box and power steering box use the same center link. Since the gearbox is larger, the pitman arm joint and the hole for the left inner tie rod end are situated right next to one another.

The power steering gearbox is similar to the ones used by the larger cars. Its pitman shaft is larger than the Saginaw manual.

Somewhere on this board you should be able to find photos of both center links.

HTH

Chuck

[speedphreake]

I still need to know what the spline count is on the pitman arms. I need to find a pitman arm to work with this aftermarket "Vega style" steering box

[cosvega76]

The only pitman arm that will work with the "Vega Style" gearbox is one for a Vega. It has a smaller pitman spline compared to the other two.

I only have specifications for the large manual and power steering boxes. The large manual box has 32 splines with a diameter at the small end of the taper of the pitman arm of 1-1/16". The power steering box has 32 splines with a diameter at the small end of the taper of the pitman arm of 1-3/16".

If you are putting the small Vega gearbox in an H-body, just get one for the non-Cosworth manual steering Vega. Someone on this board may have one, or they can be found occasionally on eBay. Beware, though: eBay has many pitman arms for Vega gearboxes that are for street rod applications, and probably will not fit an H-body.


Chuck

[djv8ga]

GM part # for a manual Vega pitman arm is 3978040. I just bought a NOS one for a spare.

[speedphreake]

I have the stock pitman arm off my 71, it's 28 spline. I need one to fit the aftermarket box that is 32 spline. It's just under 1" diameter.

[cosvega76]

I have an aluminum Flaming River Vega box. The stock Vega pitman arm fits right on.

Chuck