Topic: 66 shelby idler arm

[dan green]

What is the correct idler arm on a 66 GT350?

The one I pulled off of the car has a ford block cast into it but not a typical part number.

Did Shelby have to change the idler arm due to moving the control arms?

[jwc66k]

I asked that same question as I had a later arm that I pressed the bushing out of. It should be marked XRR-25490 and the rest of the markings are sometimes faint.
Jim   

[dan green]

Thanks Jim.
So it is different than a standard V8 mustang?
I do have the XRR marked idler arm but it had a greasable bushing installed.
Is that correct or should it be a non greasable pressed in bushing the same as the standard mustang idler arm?

[Bob Gaines]

Thanks Jim.
So it is different than a standard V8 mustang?
I do have the XRR marked idler arm but it had a greasable bushing installed.
Is that correct or should it be a non greasable pressed in bushing the same as the standard mustang idler arm?

The difference  is the length on the idler and pitman arms . It is different than a standard V8 mustang.The idler /pitman arm change did not have anything to do with moving the control arms later 66 GT350's did not have the upper control arms relocated. The longer arms give more leverage and make for quicker response.It is non greaseable from the factory. They typically also have a FOMOCO in the rectangle also. The castings are usually faint and can be hard to see. Bob

[Texas Swede]

Just like to add that all the reproductions have FORD within an oval while as Bob said
the originals had either FoMoCo within an oval (early ) or block (later). Also,
the reproduction FORD within an oval is placed at the bottom (when mounted) middle
while originals have FoMoCo placed at the top and close to the front (when mounted).
This goes for both Idler and Pitman arm.The difference in length is one inch center of holes
between standard Mustang and GT350, 5" to 6".
Texas Swede

[J_Speegle]

I asked that same question as I had a later arm that I pressed the bushing out of. It should be marked XRR-25490 and the rest of the markings are sometimes faint.

Faint might be a kind word to use - then can almost look smooth at points. Not sure how many suppliers San Jose used but we've seen differences through 67 though its always nice to find one with all the nice crisp castings - just does not work out that way all the time.

[dan green]

Does anyone have a part number for a replacement bushing?

[Texas Swede]

Dan, The bushing is special and can be bought from Jim Cowles.
Texas Swede

[jwc66k]

The bushing that I pressed out of the Shelby idler arm was marked "Harris Silent Bloc 62366" which is the same as the bushing used on V-8 power steering idler arms, Ford p/n C3DZ-3356-A. I got mine from NPD (3356-1 $10.50), but I cannot guarantee that the NPD will supply that exact same part.
Jim

[J_Speegle]

The bushing that I pressed out of the Shelby idler arm was marked "Harris Silent Bloc 62366" which is the same as the bushing used on V-8 power steering idler arms, Ford p/n C3DZ-3356-A. I got mine from NPD (3356-1 $10.50), but I cannot guarantee that the NPD will supply that exact same part.
Jim

Wonder if your has been replaced in the past - just asking?

Need to look at the one of the wife's 66- if it needs replacing maybe I'll press it out and check it. Pretty sure its all original all the ball the rest of the suspension is still original to the car

[jwc66k]

If the HiPo forum had all the old posts available I could find what I did or had. What I do remember was that the idler arm was, by the date code and other markings, a 67 recreation of the 66 arm, not necessarily original, but was a Shelby authorized replacement.
Jim

[Texas Swede]

Hi,
Attaching a couple of pictures of one NOS Idler Arm with FoMoCo within an oval I bought a few years back
and one used with FoMoCo within a block. Please note an original dust cover is marked C4ZA-3A196-A.

Texas Swede