I have to replace the idler arm on my 99 F150. Can someone tell me what size socket I need for the bolts that go into the cross-member, and for the nut at the drag link? I don't have anything large enough and don't want to go and buy sizes I don't need just to get the right ones. Thanks in advance.

GreenLantern.

 

Nobody?

 

You could always go out and measure them with a ruler or caliper if you have one.

Go to the parts store, buy a cheap caliper, crawl under the truck and measure them, then purchase your wrenches.



If I had a choice I would get a short one the you can maneuver in small places like this one. You could even saw an inch off the end to make it even shorter.

http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/...-vernier/BEU07

 

Damn, you expect someone to go out and crawl under THEIR truck just because you're to lazy to do it yourself.....??????

 

Of course not. I though perhaps somebody who had done it recently would remember what sizes they were.

 

Thanks temp1. I should probably have something like that since I'd probably have other uses for it too.

 

It would be cool to have a thread with pictures from folks who have created their own tools. Sometimes you just can't find anybody marketing what you need. I know me an my friend the hacksaw have created a few new tools. Some vehicles even have special kits and wrenchs because they don't exist in the market. The engineers say "If we make a special tool, then we can reduce that clearance from 4 inches to 2 inches and the customer will have to bring it to the dealership to be worked on". I bought a set of these gear ratchets from Sears and its one of the best investments I ever made. It can get into spots normal ratchets can't. I used them at the YMCA when i worked there to tighten the toilet seat nuts. Those things are almost impossible to turn with pliers or a small crescent but the gear ratchet eats em for lunch.

 

Heres a little trick for a crude caliper. It works best with a round head bolt and a flanged nut with the same diameter as the round head bolts diameter (the picture does not have a flanged nut). You can put some thick grease in the treads so that the nut resists turning when you remove it from the measurement. Looks like 3/4 inch to me.

 

Great tip....thanks!

 

Its a 21mm for the idler arm to frame bolts and to the drag link. I've replaced mine twice in the last two months so I got it down pretty good.

 

Thanks dye7barrel. 21mm it was, but had to hammer it on the nut on the drag link. Rust I suppose. Same replacement nut from Autozone was not 21mm but 22mm with more play that I think it should have had. 7/8 inch felt a little better so I went with that one.

GL.