Steering Column Repair: Loose Steering Wheel, ball joints, salvage yard

Question
Dear Jay,  My youngest son and I are first time project car enthusiast and totally learning as we go.  I purchased a 96 Camaro with a 3800 Series II V6 Auto trans Camaro a year ago to restore.  The play on the steering wheel (over one inch) is keeping the car from passing my State annual veh safety inspection.  I'm likely going to search out a complete replacement assembly from a salvage yard.  My question is two-fold: Am I limited to the same year make model assembly or can I broaden my search with others that are designed to fit on my car?  When calling the salvage yards, what should we be sure to specify to get an accurate price quote?  Thanks.

Answer
Hello Bob,
That's great that you and your son are taking on this project together. My youngest son has taken an interest in my automania too. We had a wonderful time at the autocross this weekend.

I will first say that finding used parts to repair a loose front end is not the way to go. If the front end is damaged, such as one that were in a wreck, then it may be OK to use some salvaged parts like A frames, subframes,  spindels, hubs, etc. But if it's a matter of a front end with worn out suspension parts, then you'd serve your project better by buying the components to rebuild the sub-components that came on the car.

Replacement parts like ball joints, tie rod ends, A Frame bushings, and steering rack all comprise the steering and suspension up front. They are readily available at your local parts store. You would have to disassemble the components to put the used components in anyway, so it's better to rebuild what you have.

Here is a picture of what you might expect to see minus the road dirt. At any rate, you can see the bushings, ball joints, etc:

http://www.cvi-automotive.se/resdela/6_front_wheel/img_amzfront/amzfrontall_250....

Rebuilding the front end is a great two person project. You could learn by doing one side first. This way the other side is still assembled, and you can look at it if you're not sure how it went together.

I hope that helps.
You guys have a great day!
-Jay