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Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 1:22 pm
by JCBond
Hi. I have a 1963 Comet. I was wondering if anyone knows the metal piece (the rubber bushing was attached to it) on this Idler arm bracket comes off. It will not fit on the new Idler arm I bought. And if so anyone have any tricks to get it off.
Thanks Justin
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Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 1:34 pm
by A/FX
Split it with a cut off wheel, be careful not to cut into the shaft. Once it is cut you should be able to peel it off. Clean the shaft so it is smooth and use a little grease when assembling the new insert.
Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:02 pm
by JCBond
A/FX wrote: ↑Fri Mar 11, 2022 1:34 pm
Split it with a cut off wheel, be careful not to cut into the shaft. Once it is cut you should be able to peel it off. Clean the shaft so it is smooth and use a little grease when assembling the new insert.
Thanks!
Does it matter how tight that nut is?
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Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:37 pm
by Joe Travers
JCBond wrote: ↑Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:02 pm
Does it matter how tight that nut is?
OEM torque spec is 45-60 ft./lbs.
Joe
Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:00 pm
by JCBond
Ok thanks for the info.
One more thing. The engine bay is empty of everything. I need to put the upper and lower control arms on to get wheels back on it so I can move it out of the shop. Would do replace the steering now, or wait until after the motor is in?
Thanks!
Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:16 pm
by SASSY
Steering box is a pain with engine in, I'd do all the steering now. Be much easier to control its direction when moved.
Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 8:18 pm
by JCBond
SASSY wrote: ↑Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:16 pm
Steering box is a pain with engine in, I'd do all the steering now. Be much easier to control its direction when moved.
Thanks!
Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 8:48 pm
by poboyjo65
JCBond wrote: ↑Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:02 pm
Does it matter how tight that nut is?
IMG_2950.jpg
you need the steering wheel & wheels in dead center when you tighten up that nut because of the rubber bushing. that is according to Groover. think he said it helps with return to center?
Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2022 1:37 pm
by JCBond
Hey what are these called and what are they for? They were on the rear leaf springs.
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Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2022 2:23 pm
by A/FX
They are old school “slapper” traction bars. Popular many years ago. They help stop the leaf spring from “winding up” under acceleration. I built a set for my Comet back in the early ‘70’s, used them until I could afford a set of Lakewood adjustable traction bars.
Jim
Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2022 3:05 pm
by Joe Travers
JCBond wrote: ↑Mon Mar 14, 2022 1:37 pm
Hey what are these called and what are they for? They were on the rear leaf springs.
Those don't work that well under a '63 w/o shimming the back mounting bracket. Sit very low to the ground if you aren't running a tall tire on the rear axle, also.
Joe
Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2022 4:39 pm
by SASSY
The only pic I could find that showed them, Ive had Lakewoods on my car since the mid '70s.
Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2022 5:03 pm
by JCBond
Ok thanks everyone. One other thing. What are these for on the rear leaf springs.
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Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2022 6:08 pm
by Jims65cyclone
Those are extended spring shackles. They were used a good bit during the 60's/70's to jack up the rear of a car so you could put bigger tires on the rear. Also used to level out a car with sagging rear springs. They were cheaper than a set of air shocks or getting the springs re-arced. I had a homemade set on a 60 Plymouth that was my first car.
Jim
Re: Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2022 6:23 pm
by JCBond
Jims65cyclone wrote: ↑Mon Mar 14, 2022 6:08 pm
Those are extended spring shackles. They were used a good bit during the 60's/70's to jack up the rear of a car so you could put bigger tires on the rear. Also used to level out a car with sagging rear springs. They were cheaper than a set of air shocks or getting the springs re-arced. I had a homemade set on a 60 Plymouth that was my first car.
Jim
Thanks Jim. Should I leave them on there? It also had air shocks. Should I get air shocks when I redo the rear end?