Does anyone happen to know what year the idler arm was upgraded. My new bronze bushings are too wide bored by about 2mm. Other than that they fit good. So I'm assuming that at some point, after 88 for sure, they did a good thing and redesigned the shafts thicker. Fine by me, but what year(s) should I be looking to get? I was thinking about trying one for a 94, hoping that it wasn't changed in 95, which is like 85 or 88, a half-year as far as when designs changed (halfway through the year, nearly).

Thanks for any input.

 

I believe I've sorted it out. Through a part # search, I discovered a change in idler arm bushing part #'s that happens after 88. 89-95 idler arm bushing part #'s are consistent. So this must have been when the shafts where thickened requiring thinner bushings. The bushings fit the older housings perfectly. I've fitted them in my 88 and my spare 87 idler arm housings.

 

So the bushing fits but your shaft is too thin? So it should work with the later models since we have fat shafts?

 

That's correct to the best of my knowledge. I'm not sure exactly what year the change took place, only that it was after 88. After-market bushing part # changes to a new number from 89-95. Strangely, after-market idler arm assembly part # changes to a new one from 92-95. They still offer the earlier part for 92-95's, the difference being the type of steering setup, power vs. manual or rack&pinion I'm not sure. Just sure that I want the newer number.

So, I geuss I know what years I can look for an idler arm with the thicker shaft. We'll see.

 

In case you just wanna throw more money at it

 

Let me exhaust this route. Then I'll be happy to oblige. That's my normal way to the "real" solution for many problems I've encountered. Always tryin' to save a buck. Did you see my home-made idler arm brace? It's in the other thread I have goin' on the subject. It's been saving me a few $'s, I'd say it was worth my time at least, that material was free. The bolts did cost me about 50 cents.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/solid-brass-idler-arm-bushing-kit-114974/

For conculsion click this link:https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...6#post50553786