tmclem

My idler arm on my truck has gone bad and needs a replacement. I've been researching online to get a new one and noticed there are two different sizes, 2.5" and 3.5". I assume this is the difference from center to center. I measured and came up with 2.5" but while looking online it seems that 3.5" are more common for the 4x4s (which my truck is), not 2.5". Does anyone have any expertise on this? Whether I need a 2.5" or 3.5"? I just want to verify before I buy anything. Thanks.

Marc D

A while back a forum member had the same issue. He ultimately bought the longer one since his truck was lifted. He assumed the short one was replaced by FabTech during the lift. It turned out to be a stock arm, just the longer one. Try looking under the search search section of the forum. You may find the thread. Good luck.

tmclem

Yeah I did some searching (which I just should have done first) and the general consensus seems to be to rely on your measurement. Also learned that it is probably worth going with the moog brand over Duralast or NAPA. Thanks.

MyRad25rs

This, too is happening to my 03. But, I'm only able to find the Napa and Autozone brand. Where were you able to locate the Moog brand?

MyRad25rs

A little more research and this was my result:


https://www.f150forum.com/f6/steerin...4/#post2687767





Looks like I'll be digging in here a little bit more, from now on!!
Intro in the near future.

tmclem

Moog is sold at O'reilly auto parts but I ended up going with the NAPA brand. I bought most of my parts from them during a big replacement of my steering and suspension and was surprised to see many were made in the USA (thumbs up). But after some greasing of the idler arm it sounds and works great (which obviously means it lacks sound).

I am pleased with it so far and for any future readers the 2.5" was correct, go with your measurements.

MyRad25rs

Hmmm...I couldn't find anything in the O'Reilley website. Guess I'll try to hit them up in person.
Thanks for the heads up, tho.

tmclem

Yeah I would give them a call or something because my local O'reilly definitely carries them. But no problem