Len69Coupe 33 Report post Posted January 13, 2018 So I'm rebuilding (still) the steering on my manual steering 69. The seals are shot on the idler arm and I thought I'd replace them, but might as well replace the arm right? Several sites show different arms for the manual steering: this http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/Mustang/Steering/Idler-Arm-Bushings-Brackets/Idler-Arm-1967-1970-Mustang-Cougar-with-Manual-Steering.axd and this http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/Mustang/Steering/Idler-Arm-Bushings-Brackets/Idler-Arm-1967-1970-Mustang-Cougar-with-Manual-Steering.axd The 2nd one is a Moog and looks more like mine, but which is correct? Is the cheaper one that crappy? Here's mine: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmlay 80 Report post Posted January 13, 2018 Both links are to the same. That being said I moog has a history of quality and likely what I would choose. Also keep in mind these manufactures sell parts to your neighborhood auto parts store. No need to buy from one of the online mustang parts vendors. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vicfreg 772 Report post Posted January 13, 2018 Open tracker has a really nice roller idler arm. Make sure you tell them you have manual steering. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Len69Coupe 33 Report post Posted January 13, 2018 I'll check my local parts place. I also checked out the Opentracker as well. Nice product. Thanks guys. Edit: here is the correct 2nd one http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/Mustang/Steering/Idler-Arm-Bushings-Brackets/Idler-Arm-1967-1970-Mustang-Cougar-with-Manual-Steering.axd Over twice the price for the Moog. And Advance wants over $100. They're nuts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Len69Coupe 33 Report post Posted January 13, 2018 Ended up going with Opentracker. Really hoping it helps low speed steering effort. Thanks for the help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aslanefe 333 Report post Posted January 14, 2018 Your second link still goes to the other idler with rubber bushings. Moog one you tried to link has grease fittings, looks like it has metal bushings instead of rubber. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmlay 80 Report post Posted January 14, 2018 https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,1969,mustang,5.8l+351cid+v8,1132401,steering,idler+arm,7328 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPM 1,190 Report post Posted January 14, 2018 I've got an Opentracker roller idler which is solid and nice. However, the cotter pin hole where the idler mounts to the L bracket is perpendicular to the frame instead of parallel. Mine must be the only one clocked this way as I've not seen any complaints. But it sure makes it a royal pita to safety wire it as a cotter pin won't work. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike65 475 Report post Posted January 14, 2018 I also have the Opentracker roller idler arm & even with manual steering it seems to steer easly, but I do not have the weight of the engine in the front yet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aslanefe 333 Report post Posted January 14, 2018 10 hours ago, RPM said: I've got an Opentracker roller idler which is solid and nice. However, the cotter pin hole where the idler mounts to the L bracket is perpendicular to the frame instead of parallel. Mine must be the only one clocked this way as I've not seen any complaints. But it sure makes it a royal pita to safety wire it as a cotter pin won't work. Doesn't the stud that goes through the L bracket turn when you turn the wheels like tie rod? You can turn it before you tighten the castle nut attaching the bracket to idler so the hole is parallel to frame then you can install the cotter pin. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPM 1,190 Report post Posted January 14, 2018 2 hours ago, aslanefe said: Doesn't the stud that goes through the L bracket turn when you turn the wheels like tie rod? You'd think so wouldn't you? Mine won't budge, don't Los of it's an anomaly or sop. I sent an email to Dan at OT but he's on his winter break. Hopefully he reads his emails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike65 475 Report post Posted January 14, 2018 4 hours ago, RPM said: You'd think so wouldn't you? Mine won't budge, don't Los of it's an anomaly or sop. I sent an email to Dan at OT but he's on his winter break. Hopefully he reads his emails. Why not call & talk to John? When I e mailed them when I was going to buy all my f/e parts from them either John or his wife Sherri returned my e mails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aslanefe 333 Report post Posted January 14, 2018 4 hours ago, RPM said: You'd think so wouldn't you? Mine won't budge, don't Los of it's an anomaly or sop. I sent an email to Dan at OT but he's on his winter break. Hopefully he reads his emails. How are the wheels going to turn when you turn the steering? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPM 1,190 Report post Posted January 15, 2018 John is south for the winter on his break from work, or I would've called him. On at least 2 occasions I used a punch thru the cotter pin hole to try and rotate the stud w/o success. True story. I just went out to try it again and it turned easily. Wtfresno? Wheaties or lack thereof I'm guessing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vicfreg 772 Report post Posted January 15, 2018 Pics of mine, just as a fyi. 1970 manual steering idler arm. Using with manual steering rack and Borgeson conversion. One pic from the top side, one from underneath. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites