Idler arm and Idler arm bracket replace

[JCBond]

Hi. I have a 1963 Comet. I was wondering if anyone knows the metal piece (the rubber bushing was attached to it) on this Idler arm bracket comes off. It will not fit on the new Idler arm I bought. And if so anyone have any tricks to get it off.

Thanks Justin

IMG_2949.jpg (73.14 KiB) Viewed 2292 times

IMG_2948.jpg (92.28 KiB) Viewed 2292 times

IMG_2947.jpg (73.49 KiB) Viewed 2292 times

[A/FX]

Split it with a cut off wheel, be careful not to cut into the shaft. Once it is cut you should be able to peel it off. Clean the shaft so it is smooth and use a little grease when assembling the new insert.

[JCBond]

Split it with a cut off wheel, be careful not to cut into the shaft. Once it is cut you should be able to peel it off. Clean the shaft so it is smooth and use a little grease when assembling the new insert.

Thanks!

Does it matter how tight that nut is?

IMG_2950.jpg (89.04 KiB) Viewed 2287 times

[Joe Travers]

Does it matter how tight that nut is?

OEM torque spec is 45-60 ft./lbs.

Joe

[JCBond]

Ok thanks for the info.

One more thing. The engine bay is empty of everything. I need to put the upper and lower control arms on to get wheels back on it so I can move it out of the shop. Would do replace the steering now, or wait until after the motor is in?

Thanks!

[SASSY]

Steering box is a pain with engine in, I'd do all the steering now. Be much easier to control its direction when moved.

[JCBond]

Steering box is a pain with engine in, I'd do all the steering now. Be much easier to control its direction when moved.

Thanks!

[poboyjo65]

Does it matter how tight that nut is?

IMG_2950.jpg

you need the steering wheel & wheels in dead center when you tighten up that nut because of the rubber bushing. that is according to Groover. think he said it helps with return to center?

[JCBond]

Hey what are these called and what are they for? They were on the rear leaf springs.

IMG_2972.jpg (100.94 KiB) Viewed 2217 times

[A/FX]

They are old school “slapper” traction bars. Popular many years ago. They help stop the leaf spring from “winding up” under acceleration. I built a set for my Comet back in the early ‘70’s, used them until I could afford a set of Lakewood adjustable traction bars.
Jim

[Joe Travers]

Hey what are these called and what are they for? They were on the rear leaf springs.

Those don't work that well under a '63 w/o shimming the back mounting bracket. Sit very low to the ground if you aren't running a tall tire on the rear axle, also.

Joe

[SASSY]

The only pic I could find that showed them, Ive had Lakewoods on my car since the mid '70s.

[JCBond]

Ok thanks everyone. One other thing. What are these for on the rear leaf springs.

IMG_2973.jpg (65.69 KiB) Viewed 2197 times

[Jims65cyclone]

Those are extended spring shackles. They were used a good bit during the 60's/70's to jack up the rear of a car so you could put bigger tires on the rear. Also used to level out a car with sagging rear springs. They were cheaper than a set of air shocks or getting the springs re-arced. I had a homemade set on a 60 Plymouth that was my first car.

Jim

[JCBond]

Those are extended spring shackles. They were used a good bit during the 60's/70's to jack up the rear of a car so you could put bigger tires on the rear. Also used to level out a car with sagging rear springs. They were cheaper than a set of air shocks or getting the springs re-arced. I had a homemade set on a 60 Plymouth that was my first car.

Jim

Thanks Jim. Should I leave them on there? It also had air shocks. Should I get air shocks when I redo the rear end?