Big tires and weak idler arms, compliments of GM, are not a good mix. Awhile back, I snapped the bracket off the frame for the idler arm. I know when it happened, and it wasn't mall-crawling. Anyway, the bracket was welded back to the frame, and all was well. That was short lived.
Apparently the damage was already done to the idler pivot assembly, and over time, the bearings/bushings slowly gave up. The result is an arc pattern the idler arm moves now, instead of a straight line, and serious creaking noise, even worse than when I snapped the bracket.
The search was on for replacement parts and/or upgrades. Not too pleased with the pricing, but it's workable. Highly recommended is the Henderson's Supersteer SS175 idler arm support assembly, which comes in around $185 plus shipping. http://hendersonslineup.dreamhoster...upersteer-idler-arm-support-assembly-–-ss175/ This would replace the blown up factory part that's ruined, but still doesn't address the frame brackets weakness.
Browsing some more, Cognito has come up with a single plate gusset to weld the bracket to the frame, giving much needed support. I think most would be surprised if they saw how much that piece flexes with big tires. Their kit looks like it uses Henderson's support assembly, but I haven't confirmed it. As a kit, it comes out to $200. http://cognitomotorsports.com/store/page28.html
There's not much of a difference between the prices, and the gusset would be pretty easy to fabricate, as well as modifying it even more to address both sides of the mounting point on the frame. I have plenty of scrap 3/8 plate that would do the job, just need to make a template and cut it out.
One thing I hear regularly is the pitman and idler arms needing to be replaced, but these appear to be in good shape. I may find out differently once they're removed, at least the idler arm. Anyone have any dealings with these parts from Henderson's or Cognito?
Apparently the damage was already done to the idler pivot assembly, and over time, the bearings/bushings slowly gave up. The result is an arc pattern the idler arm moves now, instead of a straight line, and serious creaking noise, even worse than when I snapped the bracket.
The search was on for replacement parts and/or upgrades. Not too pleased with the pricing, but it's workable. Highly recommended is the Henderson's Supersteer SS175 idler arm support assembly, which comes in around $185 plus shipping. http://hendersonslineup.dreamhoster...upersteer-idler-arm-support-assembly-–-ss175/ This would replace the blown up factory part that's ruined, but still doesn't address the frame brackets weakness.
Browsing some more, Cognito has come up with a single plate gusset to weld the bracket to the frame, giving much needed support. I think most would be surprised if they saw how much that piece flexes with big tires. Their kit looks like it uses Henderson's support assembly, but I haven't confirmed it. As a kit, it comes out to $200. http://cognitomotorsports.com/store/page28.html
There's not much of a difference between the prices, and the gusset would be pretty easy to fabricate, as well as modifying it even more to address both sides of the mounting point on the frame. I have plenty of scrap 3/8 plate that would do the job, just need to make a template and cut it out.
One thing I hear regularly is the pitman and idler arms needing to be replaced, but these appear to be in good shape. I may find out differently once they're removed, at least the idler arm. Anyone have any dealings with these parts from Henderson's or Cognito?
