The pitman arm in the pic is a new Mevotech arm and the idler arm is an original. I have a couple of questions. Is there any reason not to use an original idler arm in conjunction with a new pitman arm or should I buy a new idler arm as well? The idler arm is in pretty nice condition but doesn't have a grease fitting on it and I can't get the stud to pivot. Probably a dumb question but is the stud supposed to pivot? Should I inject some grease into it with a needle fitting on my grease gun? And last, the idler arm fits snugly into the k-frame tabs as-is but I was reading about some new idler arms that come with foam-like washers. Do I need to add those? Not sure how I would get any in there though with the snug fit of the arm as-is.

IMHO no reason not to use it if you are just looking to drive the car. If you are racing there are advantages to some aftermarket parts.



It is not uncommon for them to be too stiff to rotate or pivot. Especially when new.



Grease is always good.



The ones I have seen with foam were greasable and the foam was like dust seal to keep the grease clean.

Bergman has an idler with a bearing that seems like a good idea. Most if not all 'stock' type of idlers have some amount of slop unless you nearly put them into bind with the bolt. Just depends on what you are trying to achieve.

Firm Feel has a bearing kit for idler arms
that is a nice upgrade.

Mike

Bergman is only real option for the bearing these days. Firm feel has the kit, but the supply of arms that can be converted is all gone.

What arm is used ?