Most Camaros equipped with steering boxes that are mounted with three bolts will accept universal boxes with four-bolt mounting. Such is not the case on our third-gen due to the framerail configuration. We learned this the hard way when we initially ordered the wrong Flaming River box.

With the Flaming River box installed, we used the new universal joint to center the steering before reconnecting the steering components.

Flaming River supplies the parts to update the OEM steering system. The stock steering shaft assembly (A) will be replaced by a slip shaft assembly (B) similar to what is used in Chevy trucks. The slip shaft kit includes a 36-inch double D shaft and a protective bellows. The system allows for approximately 3 inches of movement to eliminate any binding that could be caused by chassis flex. The result is a smooth, responsive steering system.

Since there's no guarantee that every car is the same, the new shaft must be custom fit to the specific application. Here, Hot Rod Specialties owner Joel Rode measures for the correct length.

It's off to the chop saw for a little steering shaft customization.

With the shaft cut to length, per Flaming River's instructions, we measured 7/8-inch from the end of the shaft and slipped the new universal joint onto that point.

To begin adapting the slip shaft, a short piece of 3/4-inch double D shaft is inserted into the stock steering column at the firewall. This shaft can be drilled and bolted into place, but we opted to tack weld it.

We tightened the universal joint set screws.

We then removed the universal and used the marks made by the set screws to guide us in using a 1/4-inch drill bit to countersink the shaft.