Topic: 69 idler arm

[Daven]

Hello All,

Does anyone have an original picture of an idler arm for a 428CJ with power steering?  I thought mine was correct, but the center link does not fit inside it.  Any pictures would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Dave

[Bossbill]

Do you have a picture of your fitment issue?

[rockhouse66]

The brackets that mount to the frame rail are different between MS and PS with the MS bracket being easily identified by the slot.  The arms themselves are the identical casting (and casting number) but are machined differently to accept different bushings.  This picture shows the differences.

[Daven]

My center link has the shaft on it that won't fit into the idler arm.  I'll try and get a picture next week. 

Dave

[Daven]

Thank you Rockhouse66,

What should the engineering number be on it?  I exchanged the one I had, and now I have one that has the number:  c6oa-3356-c  But it also has the slot between the bolt holes.

Can the center link still have the smaller shaft for the bushing on the idler arm with power steering?

Dave

[Bob Gaines]

Thank you Rockhouse66,

What should the engineering number be on it?  I exchanged the one I had, and now I have one that has the number:  c6oa-3356-c  But it also has the slot between the bolt holes.

Can the center link still have the smaller shaft for the bushing on the idler arm with power steering?

Dave

C7ZA-3355-B is the casting number seen on the correct assemblyline idler arm for 67-70 Mustang /Cougar. The chassis bracket will not have the slot between the bolt holes on the proper part. The bracket should look like the one Rockhouse66 posted.

[Bob Gaines]

Since you never posted a picture of your drag link which would save a lot of speculation I can only guess. I have seen where the sleeve from the idler bushing rust welds itself to the drag link shaft when the worn idler arm is separated from the drag link and the rubber gives way allowing the inner metal sleeve to stay on the shaft. The sleeve stays fixed to the drag link shaft and if rusted a lot can fool you by looking seamless like it is part of the drag link . The rust frozen on sleeve would increase the diameter of the shaft so that it would not go through the correct idle arm bushing. I don't know if this is your problem but given the limited information (no picture) you have provided we are left with guessing. 

[Daven]

I am so sorry about the no picture.  I take a picture on my phone and put it on my computer and when I try and place it on the forum it doesn't like it.  I'm not sure what to do.  I don't think it's a pdf format.  I'll keep trying. 

Dave

[Daven]

Here is the pictures of the new idler i got now.  It fits in the center link now but it's a manual steering one and it's too early.

[Bob Gaines]

Here is the pictures of the new idler i got now.  It fits in the center link now but it's a manual steering one and it's too early.

Disregarding the c6oa-3356-c number that idler looks like it will function but but not optimally given it is for a manual steering non Mustang application. The bushing placement is pressed on different and the arm looks too short. If you are looking for a assembyline part I posted the number it is marked with . Those typically sell rebuilt in the 400.00 up range . If you are not then why not order a correct replacement  powersteering idler from NPD. If you are looking for a older rebuilt replacement that looks like the assemblyline but doesn't have the numbers those are relative more common but typically sell in the 250.00 and up range depending on condition and how close. It depends on your expectations. 

[Bossbill]

A C7 for comparison.
https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=16775.msg159055#msg159055

[Daven]

Thank you all!  I'll run back over to Shelby Parts and Restoration and dig through what they have.