Hi all,
The idle arm thing is interesting. At least as far as 1963-1964 goes.
I need to run down a NOS idle arm to see what bolt hole size is in the bushing. I talked with the technical person ay Rare Parts and he confirmed that there was a bearing solution in addition to the bushing solution. They no longer make it.
The issue is the difference between the bolt size and the bushing sleeve ID. The bushing sent by the supplier has an ID of .63 but the bolt is .56 inch. That is .07 inch of play which is a lot.
Now it is possible that when torqued down to 60 to 80 Foot Pounds as directed in the manual, the bushing sleeve is crushed (pinched) between the two brackets and therefore cannot move fore and aft under the steering pressure. The rubber probably moves
that much.
I am sticking with the bearing solution as I think that the less movement on the idle are the better.
If I was to use the bushing, I would take come shim stock of 3 thousandths and line the bushing, so that the bolt fit is good and snug.
IF the idle arm moved fore and aft, without springing back because of the bolt sleeve space it would toss off the alignment a bit.
Always fun working on these things…
Best, James