idler arm install "can't anything be easy"

[Hard Charger]

My new idler are from TRW is about 1/4" shorter at the bushing were it installs into the k-frame.

There were no instruction or washers included to shim it. It appears to be the correct one, i have seen it in other builds in this forum.

Has anyone ever run into this problem?

[b5blue]

no, what car?

[Hard Charger]

the car is a 68 with a 383

i got the new arm with the car.

the ball joint in the old arm is frozen. maybe there is a trick to freeing that one?? i have hammered the hell out of it and it won't budge.

[Cooter]

I dunno, but I'm thinking there is no Ball joint in the end of an idler arm. Only a joint that rotates back and forth. Otherwise, you'd have a sloppier than normal steering feel. Most today are this way.

[ACUDANUT]

Can you post a picture of the issue ? It helps when trying to solve a problem like this

[HPP]

I've run into the opposite where the replacement idler was taller. I just modified the frame for it to fit.

In your case, I'd add a washer to it. Check the installed height with the steering link to decide if you need the washer on top or bottom.

Getting the ball socket to release may take some heat.

[Hard Charger]

Having trouble downloading a picture. File to large?

[tan top]

Having trouble downloading a picture. File to large?

try using this   , i'm crap with computers , but got them resized  using this site    

http://www.picresize.com

there is prolly better sites , but is works for me with my limited computer know how

[Hard Charger]

i down loaded that program, now how do you resize to post the picture?

[tan top]

 click on the link i posted ,  there will be a box in the middle of screen with a big number 1 at the top left
  click on browse box on the right , then a small screen will appear from your computer save pictures / files , click on the picture you want resized , once thats loaded  , then click the yellow/gold box thats says continue ,
the page will change  , &  number 2 will be on left side , box says make picture smaller click on arrow on the right side of this box , gives various sizes in percentages , try 50% smaller  , if it dont work try a smaller size ,  what i do most of the time , is when resizing from a digital camera for this site , is select custom size & type in 600 pixels in the width box !  then go to  section 4  click yellow /gold box i', done resize my picture !! , then save / rename pictures in files etc as your would normally ,
you can also re size multiple pictures at a time  by following instructions on the first screen, but 90% of the time that part ,  of the site never works ,

[ACUDANUT]

Ask troy, one of our moderators here. He has a link for these problems.

[Hard Charger]

i'm trying

[Hard Charger]

this is what i am talking about

[Hard Charger]

this is what i was talking about. the metal sleeve on the idler is much shorter than the openning in the k-frame.

[Dino]

this is what i was talking about. the metal sleeve on the idler is much shorter than the openning in the k-frame.

Looks like the jaws of the k member need to be brought back so they are parallel.  Once the bushing is on it should be nice and snug. 

Found this but look at the pic at the bottom of the page, the mass of the body is below the arm and yours is above.  Not sure why.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,67299.0.html

[Hard Charger]

i have come across this thread also.

i tryed using a channel lock to pinch the flanges. they did not budge.

could powder coating cause the flanges to spread??  i don't remember any issue taking the idler arm off.

i did not end up with extra washers from the disassemble. i did notice a few of those cushion gaskets kicking around.

my challenger's idler is tight against the flanges. maybe the key is to force the flanges closed. big hammer time.

from the looks of things the idler looks to be original, never removed.

[Cooter]

Before I made my car fit the part, I'd be making the part fit my car....I'd try shimming with washers/spacers first.

[ACUDANUT]

I agree with Cooter. I'd also make that space smaller with a hammer

[469 runner]

No way can that be the correct arm for that car.  Do you still have the old one to compare?  I wouldn't be bending on your K-frame any.

[charger Downunder]

Just go and buy another one i bet it will be different as you got that one with the car i bet its wrong.

[b5blue]

The height and angle of that arm is critical.....

[ACUDANUT]

I don't know. I have been down this road before. Everything matched angle/length but I still had to add washers.

[Hard Charger]

the original arm's sleeve that i took out is about an 1/8 longer. and as i said it appears factory.

[b5blue]

I did mine on my 70 with new Moog. The first one bought had the bushing installed out of whack and I had to exchange it. The second one fit the frame mount nicely. (Always check new parts right away!)