I just recently purchased online a long pitman and idler (67 style) arm from AutoZone. The parts were made by Rare Parts.

The idler arm was defective. The machining around the end cap that covers the center link stud was machined incorrectly and was thin and cracking. I wrote to Rare Parts directly informing them of the problem. It's been over a week and I have not yet heard back from them.

My steering box finally arived and when I went to install the pitman arm the hole is too small to fit the output shaft of the gear box! So I'm 0 for 2.

Can anyone tell me the best source to get a high quality long idler and pitman?

Have you read the info on this site? Good info. I bought the same Pitman arm and idler arm from Autozone, but for my 69 and they fit fine.

http://www.pozziracing.com/first_gen_suspension.htm

The 67 idler arm is longer and than 68 or 69 however it will work and is much cheaper. The replacement Moog idler arm is actually in-between long and short in length so will work with either long or short pitman arm.

There are part numbers for the pitman and idler both as a sticky in the top of this forum section, and also on my web page. Moog, TRW and other mfr's make them.

Manual boxes have a smaller shaft, that's probably what your pitman arm is for. Make sure you are trying to install it right side up with stud end pointing downward. The pitman arm does not go all the way on, it will have 3/8" or so of spline not engaged due to the taper of the shaft. This is normal.
David

David, I read your site prior to ordering parts and it is awesome. I want to personally thank you for compiling the information contained on your site!

I actually own a 68, but I am of the particular read "anal" sort. So not having the arms the same length is the stuff that keeps me awake at night LOL. That's the price I pay for peace of mind.

The idler arm was garbage and I identified it as such upon first inspection. The pitman arm was just plain small. The spline did not taper and there was no way it would fit. I would imagine it was a manual pitman in the wrong packaging.

I took the parts back to AutoZone for a second try today. Hopefully they will be the correct ones.

So far nothing has fit correctly on this project. I initially ordered a "IROC internals" box from Lares and when I received it, it was leaking with nothing hooked up. I pulled the cap to find rancid greese and a huge ding on the gasket surface, the source of the leak.

After a complete disasseble and milling of the gasket surface I reinstalled and adjusted the box detailed it and proceeded to install it only to do a "gee duh" and realize they sent the wrong box as the bolt patern was incorrect. So all that time and money wasted!

I've gone through three remanufactured powersteering pumps trying to find the correct one for my engine (a 73 454) only to finally buy a new AGR unit.

Then there's the coupler I bought from NPD that didn't fit also the correct part but machined wrong (taiwan)

I don't ever recall going through this much trouble to get decent parts.

LOL sorry to complain... I'll let everyone know how it turns out

Ok round 2 same thing. The crack on the idler apear to actually be a pressed in piece. The second idler is easy to see this while the first was not.

The pitman arm is the same and is too small. As it turns out P/N 20526 is for manual steering. AutoZone lists this for power steerng. As far as I can tell Rare Parts doesn't sell a long pitman for power steering.

I ordered a Moog K6582 from Summit.

I received the Moog pitman arm from Summit. Interestingly it is the exact same piece as the Rare Parts arm but with the correct size hole. I say this because they have the same cast in letters on the top and the same stamped numbers in the stud plate. I wonder if Rare Parts out sources the pitman built to their specs. Rare Parts doesn't offer a long pitman for power steering Moog does.

I am getting ready to order all steering and suspension pieces for my 67. Who is the the best mfgr to use: PST, TRW, Moog or RareParts...or someone else? I have been ready many threads and it seems TRW was purchased by Moog. I have Dave's info, which references TRW and Moog, but who makes the best and most OEM appearing stuff: ball joints, pitmans, idlers, tie rods?

Were you happy with the Moog K6582 from Summit? Dave notes Moog K6582 as a lower quality, new version.

I plan to use an AGR 12:1 or 13:1 variable pwr steering box (still not sure which is best). Who is the best suspension/steering mfgr for a 67 vert with pwr steering? Or maybe an idler fram 'A' and a pitman from 'B'....

I originally ordered the Rare Parts piece because the Moog Pitman was said to be low quality and used plastic. The one I ordered from Summit looked simular to the original and was made entirely of metal. I give it a thumbs up and I'm VERY picky. I ordered the Rare Parts Idler because I'm picky and wanted the idler and the pitman to be the same length. If your not so particular you can save about half the cost and get the moog short idler and long pitman.

Disregard my previous statements about the Rare Parts Idler arm, it is of good quality.

for suspension parts, there are other options besides FederalMogul/moog/TRW (all the same stuff).
there is also Dana/Spicer- which is made with better materials and is available from NAPA as their top of the line NAPA Premium parts.
i used all Moog when i did my Nova- since i didn't know about the Dana/Spicer parts- and i was pretty impressed with how well everything fit. everything was beefier than the stock GM parts i replaced, and everything fit perfectly.
and FYI- Moog parts are pretty much available everywhere. NAPA is my store of choice, but CarQuest stores seem to always have top notch help that actually knows how to look things up in a book. i've never been impressed with AutoZone, Checkers, or any of the other big chains.

Remember, I DON'T think Rareparts is doing anything different than selling gathered up, excess inventory NOS parts unless they finally have started to re-pop them.. He, He!! re-pop them from where???????

And I do figure that parts that are left are left for a reason b/c they didn't sell in the first place b/c of WHY??????? Didn't fit?????

AND guys I hope I'M WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pdq67