so after going through 3 idler arm changes in the last 2 years at a couple hundred dollars deep for cheap crapily made parts, has anyone here tried any of the roller bearing idler arms? ive found a few from $150 budget to a true roller for around $250 greaseable. my questions to those who have 1 do they last longer due to a better design vs crushable cheap rubber in parts made now? 2 is the roller idler arm safe to use in our cars? i realize the rubber may be a designed in slop feature to not break or crack where it attaches leaving you almost guaranteed a horrible accident. 3. if they are safe can you tell any difference in the turning force needed? 4 who in you opinion makes the best one for our mavericks? this is the one im considering.. https://opentrackerracing.com/shop/...racket-1971-1972-comet-maverick-1971-cyclone/
Sorry to hear you had to go through so many Idler Arms (could have bought Roller one!), it is unfortunate that quality of parts, even MOOG (since they where bought out) have gone downhill..... I have been using Opentracker's products on my Comet for over 15 years, all are "roller" conversions and can tell you that you will notice a difference. As John mentions, by reducing "bind" in suspension, car will handle more like a modern vehicle. When I did my roller conversion on the steering, which included installing lower bearing in column, along with U-Joint replacing the OEM rag joint, steering was more responsive, had a more solid feel......going to the roller Idler arm, which is fully rebuildable, it will be the last one you will ever need! I actually have had many conversions with John and he was one who took the time to explain how "roller bearings" can change how your car handles etc., even told me how to go about "rollerizing" my own Idler arm, I when one step further and did the same on the center link end. Call up Opentracker so send John an email and he will be happy to take the time to answer any questions/concern you may have! David pictures of "roller" Idler Arm: shows disassemble OEM bearing type Idler Arm (MOOG): Roller bearing conversion parts: Complete unit: Updated Center Link end, how I used a socket to fabricate one end: Fabricated part fitted to Center Link and Roller Bearing: Completed Assembly:
I have Moog greaseable bearing, idler arms on all of mine, no issues. There were three different arms/drag links for Maverick/Comet, '70-'72, '73-'74 & '75-'77.
yes ill be getting the roller now for sure after seeing this. i like your socket idea. ill be doing that as well. yep these stock rubberized bushings are horrible these days. gonna spend the money now and go roller. when i rebuilt my entire suspension i did do the roller spring perches. its been 8yrs now. ill start redoing the entire thing roller without a doubt. i wish we could get new or rebuilt steering boxes. any idea about that possibility?
At one time Global West rebuilt steering boxes, this is where I had mine done, you can try www.flamingriver.com they used to do rebuilds too or at the very least can recommend a good rebuilder. Several members have rebuilt their own, parts are still available, but I would contact Flaming River anyways....... You will not be disappointed with going roller Idler Arm from Opentracker! David
How was the ride after installing the roller perches? I just recently installed them on My Maverick but have not driven the car yet...
compared to the stock its way better to me. car seems to move smoother and not feel kinked up on corners. a little more fluid feeling.
Cool. 'Looking forward to that experience. I want to wait until I install my new lower control arms/ball joints and get alignment (of course I'll be driving it to the alignment shop)...
I have not yet personally used these folks, but many Mustang guys swear by them for steering, brakes kits/rebuilds. http://www.chockostangclassicmustang.com/home.html
If the worm isn't baldly worn, they are fairly easy to reseal, lube and adj. I've done it a couple of times. If the preload adjustment is snug while still exposing approx ½" of threads (as measured from top cover, not top of nut), should be easy. Boxes for '68-'71 Fairlane, Torino, Falcon & Mercury siblings are same, as are '75-'80 Granada & Monarch. Mustang boxes are different.
This guy rebuilt mine and I have purchased kits from him. I had no issues. Rebuilding Services Index Micah
