1981 idler arm help please...

[lenguini]

Swapped to a 1981 suspension,and it came with the reverse mount idler arm.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is a forward mount version for the 1981 that would mount to the existing idler frame holes on my 65.

The lower pic...,is the idler that came with my 1981 suspension,I wanted to use my original which is the style in the top pic but the shaft is smaller,obviously wont work.

Thanks to all that can answer this for me.

[tincan1966]

Your best bet is to just drill new holes and mount the '81 style arm. Best to keep all the parts together, as it helps with the geometry of the steering. All you have to do is level the drag link, then position it forward enough to keep the drag link from rubbing the cross member, clamp it in place and drill two holes.
That slight offset on the '81 is VERY important for keeping the steering turning equal in both directions. In the straight forward position, the pitman arm and the idler arm should be parallel with the frame rails.

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

Your best bet is to just drill new holes and mount the '81 style arm. Best to keep all the parts together, as it helps with the geometry of the steering. All you have to do is level the drag link, then position it forward enough to keep the drag link from rubbing the cross member, clamp it in place and drill two holes.
That slight offset on the '81 is VERY important for keeping the steering turning equal in both directions. In the straight forward position, the pitman arm and the idler arm should be parallel with the frame rails.

Thank you,I was not aware of this.I went online last night after torquing down the front end and saw atleast 3 types of idlers and thought they may have been interchangeable.

So drilling it is !

[tincan1966]

Originally Posted by lenguini

Thank you,I was not aware of this.I went online last night after torquing down the front end and saw atleast 3 types of idlers and thought they may have been interchangeable.

So drilling it is !

I forgot to mention, you will need the spacer that goes between the bottom hole on the bracket and the frame, or make one. I believe it's roughly 1/4" thick. Sorry about that.

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

I forgot to mention, you will need the spacer that goes between the bottom hole on the bracket and the frame, or make one. I believe it's roughly 1/4" thick. Sorry about that.

Ok,I do have the spacer I can cut down form the old idler. I'm curious to know,because the arm is flat on the back...would this not put an angle outward on the new one ?


Maybe yourself or someone here on the forum may be able to post a pic as well,I'm trying to finish this up this afternoon and that would be a huge help.

Thank you in advance.

[lenguini]

Maybe someone here on the forum may be able to post a close up pic of the idler arm mounted with needed spacer ?

Thank you in advance.

[tincan1966]

If your '81 idler arm looks like the one in the top pic you posted, the spacer will go on the bottom bolt. If it is flat then you will not need it. My mistake for not pointing that out very clearly.

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

If your '81 idler arm looks like the one in the top pic you posted, the spacer will go on the bottom bolt. If it is flat then you will not need it. My mistake for not pointing that out very clearly.

A thousand thank you's! My old one is the top pic,I will be using the lower now.