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idler arm bolts |
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1973gts 
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Joined: 05-March-2018 Location: Grand Rapids Mi Status: Offline Points: 614 |
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 Topic: idler arm boltsPosted: 02-April-2019 at 8:58AM |
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Need some help asap. Putting my steering linkage back on and have misplaced my idler arm to frame bolts, can anyone help me with proper size of bolts? Thanks in advance - dave
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Dave - 1973 GTS N code
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Rockatansky
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Joined: 30-July-2010 Location: On The Road Status: Offline Points: 6072 |
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Posted: 02-April-2019 at 9:47AM |
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what size are the holes in the frame and idler arm? how wide is the frame and how thick is the idler? add 1" and use grade 8 with hardened washers to be safe
Edited by Rockatansky - 02-April-2019 at 9:51AM |
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72 GT Ute
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1973gts
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Posted: 02-April-2019 at 1:10PM |
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Thanks, Rock, sometimes I tend to overthink these things, your advice makes sense, appreciate it.
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Dave - 1973 GTS N code
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dave302
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Posted: 03-April-2019 at 3:07AM |
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I believe that the bolt thread size that you need is 3/8-14 national coarse thread, grade 8 nuts, bolts and washers. The torque specification for the idler arm to frame bolt's are 35 to 50 foot pounds (when you use the 3/8-14 nuts and bolts). This is the torque specs when no lubrication is used (dry).
There is also a possibility that the nut and bolt thread count is supposed to be 3/8-24 national fine thread grade 8. Maybe one of the other members will know if the threads are supposed to be coarse or fine threads. The 3/8-24 nuts and bolts use the same torque specs. Edited by dave302 - 03-April-2019 at 10:43PM |
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dave302
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Posted: 03-April-2019 at 3:19AM |
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I will take a guess and say that the frame thickness might be 1/8" to 3/16". The idler arm bracket thickness might be 1/2" to 9/16" thick. And the two washers and the nut thickness might be 1/2" to 9/16" total. So you might need bolts that are at least one and a 1/4 inch long to one and 3/8 inches long, not including the hex head of the bolts.
Edited by dave302 - 03-April-2019 at 3:35AM |
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dave302
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Posted: 03-April-2019 at 3:24AM |
 Edited by dave302 - 03-April-2019 at 3:28AM |
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dave302
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Posted: 03-April-2019 at 3:33AM |
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The torque specification for the idler arm to center link nut is 50 to 70 foot pounds. This is the specs with no lubrication used (dry). The procedure to tighten the nut is: Tighten the nut to a minimum of 50 foot pounds and try to install the cotter pin. If the cotter pin does not go in then slowly tighten the nut until you are able to install the cotter pin.
Edited by dave302 - 03-April-2019 at 9:04AM |
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72FordGTS
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GTS.org Admin Joined: 06-September-2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 5848 |
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Posted: 03-April-2019 at 12:15PM |
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My fenders are off, so I measured the bolt diameter at 1/2". There is only maybe a 1/4" of thread beyond the nut once tightened. Also note, it has the locking style nuts, with the oval opening. |
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Vince
1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
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Rockatansky
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Posted: 03-April-2019 at 12:54PM |
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distorted thread lock nuts
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72 GT Ute
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1973gts
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Posted: 03-April-2019 at 3:59PM |
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OK, thanks everyone,should be all set
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Dave - 1973 GTS N code
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Rockatansky
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Posted: 04-April-2019 at 6:00AM |
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so what size are they for the next time? |
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