Which idler arm

[Len69Coupe 33]

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:

[jmlay 80]

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. 

[Vicfreg 771]

Open tracker has a really nice roller idler arm.  Make sure you tell them you have manual steering.  

 

[Len69Coupe 33]

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. 

 

[Len69Coupe 33]

Ended up going with Opentracker. Really hoping it helps low speed steering effort.

 

Thanks for the help.

[aslanefe 333]

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.

[jmlay 80]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,1969,mustang,5.8l+351cid+v8,1132401,steering,idler+arm,7328

[RPM 1,190]

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. 

[Mike65 475]

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.

[aslanefe 333]

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. 

[RPM 1,190]

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. 

[Mike65 475]

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.

[aslanefe 333]

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?

[RPM 1,190]

 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. 

[Vicfreg 771]

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.