[Bret B]

WOW........If the idler arm length and the pitman arm are supposed to be the same length, then there is a huge discrepancy. The pitman arm is 5.2" long from center to center. The idler arm is just shy of 6 inches from center to center.

Thoughts on if this is acceptable differences? I don't see a part number on the CPP back for the idler arm and there isn't one stamped on the idler itself either.

Just measured the idler arm I replaced about 15+years ago. The center to center measurement on that is 5.9 inches. This is telling me there isn't an issue with the idler arm, or the pitman. I am leaning toward the tightening of the pitman and the ends of the center link as being the difference between the rub and just enough clearance.