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I Need another idler arm #1147247 12/31/11 01:49 AM 12/31/11 01:49 AM
Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,760 Port Alberni, British Columbia MoparDonny OP top fuel
MoparDonny OP top fuel Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,760 Port Alberni, British Columbia	About 8 years ago I changed the idler arm on my 71 Challenger and it was the poops when i got it but it was better than the original. now that I have a greater appreciation in handling i want to put a good (tight) idler arm on it. I dont remember where I got this last one but Im hoping that all the idlers arent loose like this. It really is the poops. Any experiences with this type of junk? I hope some of the locals might have parts for comparison.

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: MoparDonny] #1147248 12/31/11 09:52 AM 12/31/11 09:52 AM
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 7,664 IN A ahy master
ahy master A Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 7,664 IN	There are lots of poor quality suspension parts out there... OK to get the last 10k out of a beater but not much else. I'd look for Moog brand. Firm Feel handles their stuff, Mancini Racing and some parts stores including, I believe, Rock Auto. Another option is NAPA. If they offer it in their "NAPA Premium" line it will likley be a good one.

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: ahy] #1147249 12/31/11 10:22 AM 12/31/11 10:22 AM
Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 9,336 South-Central (Sebring), FL Commando1 master
Commando1 master Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 9,336 South-Central (Sebring), FL	I don't know if it's my imagination, paranoia, or what, but I swear as time goes on that the Moog quality that we used to know and trust has gone downhill as their production moves more and more over to China and they have to compete with price on all the crap that's out there. Or is it just me?

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: Commando1] #1147250 12/31/11 11:04 AM 12/31/11 11:04 AM
Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 2,177 ill D dennismopar73 top fuel
dennismopar73 top fuel D Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 2,177 ill	Quote: I don't know if it's my imagination, paranoia, or what, but I swear as time goes on that the Moog quality that we used to know and trust has gone downhill as their production moves more and more over to China and they have to compete with price on all the crap that's out there. Or is it just me? You are correct! Almost everything is now being made either China or Mexico, do you remember NAFTA? Ross Paroe? said it best, that giant sucking sound is the jobs leaving the US! What we have is the we shoot ourselfs in the foot, because now we no longer make those parts here, but we do not even posses the building to make them as well! Now we have to wait as those countrys pull their wages and economy up to where we are, then those jobs, or most will come back here. It is stated, that Mexico will take 10-15 years to get their citizens up to our standards, that was 5-6 years ago. Now the issue is if there is issue with a part here, it takes months to get the part changed over there, thus you see issues with quaility in the same part over and over! Thanks that the parts are still 'lifetime' replacements!!

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: dennismopar73] #1147251 12/31/11 12:13 PM 12/31/11 12:13 PM
Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 8,880 Ontario, Canada S Stanton Don't question me!
Stanton Don't question me! S Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 8,880 Ontario, Canada	Mexico will never reach the standard. The wages are so high compared to their "standard" of living that they can afford to work a couple days then retire for a year. Subsequently they don't build their skill levels. In order to get "skilled labor", company "b" offers more money than company "a" to get their workers - who again only work a short time then retire. By then the wages are set so everyone's screwed. China can meet or exceed quality standards any day of the week. But since the corporations importing the goods know that you guys will blame the workers for the poor quality, they're quite happy to charge you the same price for a lower quality part knowing that dispite your whining you'll still buy from them - 'cause you got nowhere else to go! And why did all this happen ??? Because the blue-collar guy making $32. an hour didn't like buying something made by another blue-collar guy making $32. an hour - he wanted to buy 10 things made by people making $1. an hour!

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: Commando1] #1147252 12/31/11 01:52 PM 12/31/11 01:52 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,468 So Cal autoxcuda Too Many Posts
autoxcuda Too Many Posts Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,468 So Cal	Quote: I don't know if it's my imagination, paranoia, or what, but I swear as time goes on that the Moog quality that we used to know and trust has gone downhill as their production moves more and more over to China and they have to compete with price on all the crap that's out there. Or is it just me? I bought a brand new Moog 73-76 idler arm from Rock Auto eariler this year. I have 2500 miles on it. The ball joint on the end has up and down movement in it. The one I had before that last 20K+ miles.

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: MoparDonny] #1147253 12/31/11 02:24 PM 12/31/11 02:24 PM
Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,526 North Carolina cjskotni pro stock
cjskotni pro stock Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,526 North Carolina	I have PST's idler arm on my Charger. I haven't driven it much but feels good so far and I don't feel any real slop in the ball joint... I bought Moog tie-rods ends and they seemed to be of good quality with a nice SEALED rubber boot instead of the one you slide one...I have heard some negative about them recently though...

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: cjskotni] #1147254 12/31/11 07:42 PM 12/31/11 07:42 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,784 Corpus Christi, TX shanker master
shanker master Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,784 Corpus Christi, TX	Ive given up on all parts store brands and only run XRF chassis stuff now...and its actually lower priced than Moog.. http://www.xrfchassis.com/ The Federal Government has not yet learned that you cannot legislate morality 1970 Coronet R/T FF4/FF8/V85/V1G 440/Auto/3.23 1970 Coronet R/T FK5/FK5/V8W/V1W 440/Auto/3.55 1970 Super Bee TX9/TX9/V8W/N96 383/Auto/3.91 1975 Duster 360 VS29L5 Daily Driver

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: shanker] #1147255 01/04/12 11:12 PM 01/04/12 11:12 PM
Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,760 Port Alberni, British Columbia MoparDonny OP top fuel
MoparDonny OP top fuel Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,760 Port Alberni, British Columbia	Thanks for the replies. I will be looking at a number of parts stores very soon. I will look at a MOOG if i can find one and see if the NAPA store has the good one. The XRF stuff sounds like quality stuff for sure, but up here shipping and Duty kills us. And what do you guys pay for an idler arm anyway? be interesting to see what they want to charge in Canada compared to US. Double Im betting.

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: MoparDonny] #1147256 01/05/12 12:18 AM 01/05/12 12:18 AM
Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 8,880 Ontario, Canada S Stanton Don't question me!
Stanton Don't question me! S Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 8,880 Ontario, Canada	Ever heard of Rockauto ??? Its the absolute best option for car parts for us Canucks. The price quoted will include all HST, brokerage and shipping fees to your address and will land on your doorstep in a couple days and will still be half the price of your local Napa or Canadian Tire. Give 'em a look see. Note that if you're looking to buy multiple parts sometimes you may have to opt for a different brand in order to have things shipped from the same warehouse to minimize shipping cost. Play with it a bit and you'll get the drift. It doesn't cost anything to load up the shopping cart!

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: Stanton] #1147257 01/05/12 03:21 AM 01/05/12 03:21 AM
Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 6,257 gulfport, ms, west mi rowin4 master
rowin4 master Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 6,257 gulfport, ms, west mi	One thing is for sure, if NAPA has it, it will cost twice as much as the same part at auto zone or the other auto part stores . And don't tell me their quality is better. it's ok to butt heads, just don't do it with a butthead

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: MoparDonny] #1147258 01/05/12 07:15 AM 01/05/12 07:15 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 3,575 The Netherlands BigBlockMopar master
BigBlockMopar master Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 3,575 The Netherlands	Quote: About 8 years ago I changed the idler arm on my 71 Challenger and it was the poops when i got it but it was better than the original. now that I have a greater appreciation in handling i want to put a good (tight) idler arm on it. I dont remember where I got this last one but Im hoping that all the idlers arent loose like this. It really is the poops. Any experiences with this type of junk? I hope some of the locals might have parts for comparison. You haven't said what part of the idler arm has worn? If it's the balljoint, I can't be of much help. But if it's the bushing-part then you might want to consider changing it out for a solid nylon or ballbearing-version. IMO a great deal of steering linkage play comes from wimpy rubber bushings which also lets the arm go up and down, instead of only left and right. Up/down-movement of the idler arm lets the pass.side tire be able to vary into a different direction then the driver-side tire. This can give a mushy/sloppy feel in the steeringwheel. I always change out the rubber bushing for a 2-part nylon version, which I happen to be able to make on my lathe myself. BigBlockMopar.com

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: Commando1] #1147259 01/05/12 11:33 AM 01/05/12 11:33 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 75,043 U.S.S.A. JohnRR I Win
JohnRR I Win Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 75,043 U.S.S.A.	Quote: I don't know if it's my imagination, paranoia, or what, but I swear as time goes on that the Moog quality that we used to know and trust has gone downhill as their production moves more and more over to China and they have to compete with price on all the crap that's out there. Or is it just me? No it's not just you.

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: JohnRR] #1147260 01/05/12 11:55 AM 01/05/12 11:55 AM
Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 8,880 Ontario, Canada S Stanton Don't question me!
Stanton Don't question me! S Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 8,880 Ontario, Canada	Rick Ehrenberg has the good ones for sale over on the 70 and earlier b-body parts for sale forum.

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: BigBlockMopar] #1147261 01/15/12 05:51 PM 01/15/12 05:51 PM
Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,760 Port Alberni, British Columbia MoparDonny OP top fuel
MoparDonny OP top fuel Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,760 Port Alberni, British Columbia	Quote: You haven't said what part of the idler arm has worn? If it's the balljoint, I can't be of much help. But if it's the bushing-part then you might want to consider changing it out for a solid nylon or ballbearing-version. IMO a great deal of steering linkage play comes from wimpy rubber bushings which also lets the arm go up and down, instead of only left and right. Up/down-movement of the idler arm lets the pass.side tire be able to vary into a different direction then the driver-side tire. This can give a mushy/sloppy feel in the steeringwheel. I always change out the rubber bushing for a 2-part nylon version, which I happen to be able to make on my lathe myself. It's the bushing part. And IIRC it was sloppy from the get-go but i needed it quick and it was cheap and in stock. I ordered a MOOG to have a look. Im done with settling for iffy parts. If it has any slop its going back right away this time.

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: MoparDonny] #1147262 01/20/12 11:41 PM 01/20/12 11:41 PM
Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,760 Port Alberni, British Columbia MoparDonny OP top fuel
MoparDonny OP top fuel Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,760 Port Alberni, British Columbia	Well, I got the MOOG arm and it looks like a good piece.( should be for $90.00) Nice and tight at the bushing. One thing though, it doesn't have the boomerang shape to it like the old one did. What is a stock E bod idler supposed to look like? Steering should be alot better now anyway.

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: MoparDonny] #1147263 01/21/12 12:03 AM 01/21/12 12:03 AM
Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,760 Port Alberni, British Columbia MoparDonny OP top fuel
MoparDonny OP top fuel Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,760 Port Alberni, British Columbia	Wow!! Ehrenberg is selling those stockers for $29.00 each. Unreal. It does have the same shape as the one I got so I'm good there. Don't know why my other one was shaped differently. And just an observation while cruising the for sale forum, Some guys have been smoking alot more than just thier Polyglas GT's. Alot of good deals over there but there are a few that I hope nobody bites on.

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: MoparDonny] #1147264 01/21/12 01:04 AM 01/21/12 01:04 AM
Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,688 Marlboro, NY, USA R Rick_Ehrenberg top fuel
Rick_Ehrenberg top fuel R Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,688 Marlboro, NY, USA	Bit of trivia: Despite many people who think otherwise, OEM suspension / steering parts were not mfg by Moog (now Federal-Mogul). They were made in-house by Chrysler at New Castle Forge! The ones I scored (see B and E-body parts for sale sections) are made to OEM Mopar blueprints and are very, very nice clones. I bought a pallet of 'em to get us the super deal. Rick

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: Rick_Ehrenberg] #1147265 01/21/12 01:10 AM 01/21/12 01:10 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,468 So Cal autoxcuda Too Many Posts
autoxcuda Too Many Posts Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,468 So Cal	Rick I bought a Moog idler for my 73-76 A-body K-member and the darn ball joint is loose after about 2500 miles. Is Moog quality going to pot? Or did have a fluke bum part (it happens)? Last edited by autoxcuda; 01/21/12 01:19 AM.

Re: I Need another idler arm [Re: Rick_Ehrenberg] #1147266 01/21/12 01:16 AM 01/21/12 01:16 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,468 So Cal autoxcuda Too Many Posts
autoxcuda Too Many Posts Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,468 So Cal	Quote: Bit of trivia: Despite many people who think otherwise, OEM suspension / steering parts were not mfg by Moog (now Federal-Mogul). They were made in-house by Chrysler at New Castle Forge! The ones I scored (see B and E-body parts for sale sections) are made to OEM Mopar blueprints and are very, very nice clones. I bought a pallet of 'em to get us the super deal. Rick On yours, are the inner thru bolt bushing a plain metal bushing or OE rubber or like some aftermarket stuff nylon? Does the ball joint on the outer have a zerk fitting? Thats looks one heck of a lot more stock looking compared to the square aftermarket stuff that's on the market now.

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