First, let me say that 390 Mustangs are not my "specialty". That being said, here is what I have found in the 1960-68 MPC which may help explain (or possibly confuse more) the dimension issue. It hasn't been noted if you have T/E or not, or if you have Factory (S) A/C or the hang-on A/C (F). I mention this because you will note in my "Text" attachments, there is a difference. I have attached an Illustration of the 390 Mustang Idler Pulley (8678), showing its parts, as well as the Text on the Idler Pulley Assembly and the Bearing and Shaft Assembly (2990). Note that there are two different Idler Pulley Assemblies shown; the C7SZ-8678-A (without T/E), and the C7SZ-8678-B (with or without T/E). The "without: for the "-B" would only apparently apply if the Idler Pulley was mounted on the "Left" (Driver's) side of the engine. The difference in the "Bracket" part of these two Idler Pulley Assemblies is apparently the difference in the hex adjustment casting, one being 3/8" longer than the other. However, the differences in the two doesn't stop here. Note that the "Bearing and Shaft" on the 8678-A is 3/8" shorter than the "Bearing and Shaft" on the 8678-B assembly. Thus if the Idler Assembly in question has the long hex boss, and the long "Bearing and Shaft", there would be 3/4" difference. Just a thought on how the 3/4" difference could occur.
Bob