The Outlaw Kid

iTrader: (1)

Ok guys I feel like I need a bench project. I'm looking to get a steering column and rebuild/restore it. Why idk it's just a thought of mine. My column has a lot of slop where it tilts. I've read it's some type of bushing. Not sure what it's called or where to get one but it's really annoying. If anybody knows please let me know.

Anyway my car is an automatic, however it will be a 6 speed before the rebuilt column would go in. I've got a few question about getting a junkyard column.

Would I need one from an auto or a stick? Is there a difference?

LS or LT? I've read the shaft that goes to the rack is different but if that's the only difference I'll reuse mine. I've got plenty of clearance with my pacesetters. Anymore differences?

V6 or V8? I can't imagine this matters but I'm making a thread anyway.

I know I'll have to use a tumbler matched to my BCM. I plan to keep VATS.

Can anyone help me decide what column to look for?

BizZzatch350

iTrader: (33)

The joint that connects the rack to the column is what's different like you stated. The later LS1 cars have a different clock spring connector both to the bag and SRS harness. You don't need a six speed column, my 93 is a factory auto car but now a six speed and I still have my original column. The difference is that little push button deal to release the key. A lot of the general components I am sure would interchange between the years. Just have to cross reference the part numbers. On my 93 the part the turn signal attaches to broke and I had to replace it.

The Outlaw Kid

iTrader: (1)

Ok thanks for the response. If I have to get one from a 98-02 car will the clock spring, air bag and all that crap work in my car or will I need to swap mine over?

The Outlaw Kid

iTrader: (1)

Also has anyone done this if so where did you source parts from? I'd imagine most a discontinued by GM. I know the tumbler can still be bought from GM.

mab6680

iTrader: (1)

the plugs are deferent on the 98-02 clock springs so you would need the newer style steering wheel and airbag to use the newer clockspring or you could just put your old one in the new column

The Outlaw Kid

iTrader: (1)

Ok my cars a 96 so the wheels appear the same. But if there not interchangeable that's news to me.

One more quick question and I'll see what I find. All the wiring connectors match up right? As long as the steering column has radio controls I'm assuming they are the same. I understand about the clock spring plugs. But will the connectors on the lower column plug into the ones on my 96?

mab6680

iTrader: (1)

oh wait you have a trans am so yes everything should be the same sorry the steering wheels on the camaro changed in 98

The Outlaw Kid

iTrader: (1)

Sorry I should have said that. So the only thing that changed was the steering shaft going to the rack right? Clock springs the same on all Trans Ams, well at least the ones that have the same wheel?

BizZzatch350

iTrader: (33)

The 99+ have different clock spring connectors to the bag and the srs harness under the dash is a different connector.

Jr.Samples

So the 99 TA column I bought for my 97 car will not plug correctly under the dash?

The Outlaw Kid

iTrader: (1)

That's what I'm reading.