I recently replaced inner/outer tie rod ends, upper/lower ball joints, and the idler arm. I know there are two different sizes on the idler arm regarding the spacing of the holes. I can't recall which one mine was. But I do remember it being somewhat different than stock when comparing the two.

The problem I'm having now, when I drive over bumps, RRXings, holes, etc. there is a clunk in the front end (pass. side) I can really feel it in the wheel and the steering feels sloppy at that moment as well.

At first I was thinking I had something wrong with the ball joints. But I've checked them over thoroughly and there is nothing amiss. Yesterday while changing the oil and greasing the ball joints and idler I noticed the idler arm is rubbing the frame! And it's hitting it good. The frame is just about completely clean and shiny where it's been rubbing on it back and forth while turning. Any ideas? Wrong part that somehow fit? Something not lined up correctly?

Thanks in advance!

Edit: The inner tie rod end on the passenger side is rubbing the frame, not the idler arm. I'm trying to figure out why the center link is that high up now.

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take some pictures where we can see the entirety of the tie-rod, or close to it. these zoomed in things really do nothing.

 

on the 97-04 heritage F-150, there were two different idler arm models. the 97-02 F-150 used one style, and the 03-04 heritage F-150 used another. You mentioned that your new one was different than the stock one.

You need one identical to the original one, hence the problems you are having... If i recall correctly, the 03-04 version was a dealer only part, however, I am unsure whether that is still the case. Regardless, you need to track down the correct version.

 

Did you resolve the problem as mine is doing the same thing, I have tried a few different brands and only can come across two styles of idlers the wrong one that does the similar thing to this and a even more wrong one with a staggered hole set that doesnt match my two holes.

 

Can you attach some pictures like was requested earlier in the thread so we can have a look?

 

the pictures that are already attached to this thread are identical to my issue the head of the tie rod is smashing the frame on the passenger side any time I take a left turn where the body shifts a bit. I replaced the idler and pitman at the same time and figured the problem was with the idler as it was on that side now am concerned that it may be the pitman is wrong?

 

By me looking at the pics the first thing is see wrong is you should not need a lock washer or flat washer to hold the tie rod to the center link the castle nut should stop at the center link i think you may have the wrong tie rods in the truck and if so stop driving the truck till you get it fixed yu don't want the tie rod to break and lose you steering.

 

Good eyes there, I would of never noticed! That might have something to do with their problem.

 

ok minus the flat washer it is not the issue... I'm wondering if the pitman arm being off by a tooth or something to that effect would change the angle/position of the center link thus causing the tie rod to appear closer to the frame hence the rubbing? Anyone wanna toss me a idea I am all out on this....

 

No removing the pitman arm and put it back on a tooth off will not change the angle in which it move it will how ever change turn radius and put the steering wheel off center but if he has the wrong idler arm that would change alot of stuff but he also has the wrong tie rod in it you should never have to us washers to make it work.

 

There are 2 options for the F150 4x4's as far as Idlers go, the difference being the bolt holes being spaced either 1.5" or 2.75"(or something significantly larger...dont have the numbers in front of me they are general out of the air examples....) and as for the washers.... I would assume it is either a wrong part or over cautious mechanic? Regardless the tie rod will still be rubbing on that side giving it is correct, here in which lies the original issue that has been danced around somewhat in the thread.

As the original poster is either not following this thread or has corrected the issue and not been back to see the action, I am hoping to talk to a Ford Tech tomorrow A.M. and see what there summation of my issue is as I only changed the idler and pitman in my case and both matched my old ones I replaced.

 

Long time looker first time poster . I have the same issue and am unable to resolve it. Did the op or anyone else find a solution?