adamthedroog

I just tried replacing my idler arm but it won't bolt back up correctly. I can't get the tie rods to bolt to it. Should just try and flex it as hard as I can or bang it into place or what?

Co_94_PU

iTrader: (-1)

Looks fine from here

aviator

Try fitting the idler linkage to the arm first then bolt the idler arm/base to the frame... this will give you more leverage if you need it... it's going to be a tight fit... you may also need to remove the cotter pin and loosen the idler linkage from the third member to give you the flexibility to reattach everything. Remember the new arm will be stiff [as it should be] and over time the other parts will have "adapted" to the looseness of the old warn idler.
Best advice I can offer without pics. Don't forget to put new cotter pins on all the castle nuts you don't want them to come apart on the road.

adamthedroog

I'll take pictures tomorrow. Aviator, I tried that. I suppose I could pry up on it until it fits but I don't know if that's a good idea.

aviator

Try a little white lithium grease on the idler spindle and linkage joint... as I said it will be a very tight fit... you probably used a puller to get it apart initially you may need to use it backwards to get it part of the way back on... then it should come together.
When I did mine that's what I did... for the tie rod ends it was grease and a few taps with a hammer to get them to slide together. These joints define "snug fit". The lithium really helps and imo should be used anyway.

adamthedroog

Okay so I got it on this morning. It took a lot of prying but I got it and it's fine now. Thanks both of you for the help you've given.

aviator

Glad to hear you got her together.