Can some one please tell me how to determine this, and how to tell if its bad. It dont think theres much play, but it swivels easily. I'm finishing my rebuild and need to know what I need from the parts store tomorrow. Than
ks.

 

Hulk, a NEW idler arm will be one tight ****. On the other hand, a bad one will be loose... makes sense. As for idler arm height, you SHOULD have directions on how to set it (one would think) in the box with the new one, but basically the purpose of it is to keep the centerlink (relay rod) "even". The usual method of doing it is using the bolts on the lower control arms as a reference point and measuring the height of the c/l on the side of the PITMAN arm first. If you look at the c/l right by the bolt of the control arm, you should see a flat spot on it. So what you do is put a socket on the bolt head of the control arm, put a straight edge ruler flush against the flat spot of the c/l and then measure that gap. Once you get it on the pitman arm side, do the same on the idler arm side. The dimension you got the first time is what you'll use on the idler arm. I wish I had the ability to send you a photo example, but I think you'll get it - any questions, just e-mail me...

KAM

 

Thank you very much, you answered all my questions.