79Z automatic. My car has almost 200K miles and the suspension was horrible. I replaced the control arm bushings and ball joints for upper and lower. The tie rods inner and outer, center link, sway bar bushings, idler arm, stabilizer end links, springs & shocks. The steering is still very sloppy and i can turn it a 1/4 turn before it even will start to turn the wheels. What else could be bad?

 

it sounds like the gear box. You can try adjusting it by loosing the nut and turning the inner screw with a flat blade screw driver. Do it 1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time and try. If it feels like its in a bind when you drive it and its still loose then the gear box is shot and needs replaced. For your car it should be cheap. I would try to find one out of a 70 to 81 trans am with a better ratio, they are basically the same bolt in. My last 79 z was a 4 speed car, wish i still had it but I have a 76 TA black on black t top that is cool of I ever wanted to go back to that body style hehehe. Hope that helps.

 

replace the gearbox. it's done.. i have had 3 cars all do the same thing. including an 80 camaro..... BTW.. a new one was not that cheap.. at least not around here. But that is a prett good indication that the steering box is done.

 

I checked on a rebuilt unit and they are only $125 plus core at Napa. I think with that many miles i will replace it without even looking at other options. Thanks for your guys help!

 

I'm sure you are on to the solution with a new steering box. They CAN be adjusted, but once they get to that point, more often than not, replacement is the right course to take. Good luck!

 

check the rag joint first and try to adjust the gear box at least once. what will it hurt. its FREE.

 

Its 5 degrees so i think i will play with it as soon as it gets warmer. This way i can see what happens and maybe learn how to do it if it gets loose again. I love FREE, you talked me into it.