ACDelco 45C1045 Idler Arm - - - Wrong Part for Our Trucks ??? (or at least 1st gen?)

[OG Arrow]

OK, so I'm trying to get my truck aligned, went to the shop, the Idler arm bushing was shot so the guy said
get a new one and come back. Ok, fair enough.

So I order a new Idler Arm from Rock, instead of the Moog, I chose the ACDelco part because, by the pictures, it appears to be a better/nicer part.

However, when it arrives, it is NOT the correct part. The bolt hole spacing on the angle mount is wrong,
and the arm itself is longer than the stock arm (and an old Moog part I happen to have).

But I checked all the cross reference charts and they all say this is the part for my truck. (first gen anyway)
And even on the Rock Auto website, the Picture they show for it, is correct. (shorter arm, matches the stock and Moog)
So it got sent back.

My question is this ,,, Does anybody have any experience with this part ? Is this a known issue ?
Maybe this is for a 2nd gen application and they think it works for all ??
Or did I just get a mis-boxed part ???

I still need a new one, so should I try the AC part again ? Or just go with the Moog ? Or does someone have a better part suggestion ???

As always, thanx for the help !

[tortron]

I bought one locally a couple months ago but never got around to putting it in. It was a 555 brand but looks the same as what's in there now

http://www.butlerautomart.co.nz/our-range/Steering-suspension-front/Idler-arm/Product-Specification-SI7151.aspx
http://www.butlerautomart.co.nz/our-range/Steering-suspension-front/Idler-arm/Product-Specification-SI7770.aspx
http://www.butlerautomart.co.nz/our-range/Steering-suspension-front/Idler-arm/Product-Specification-SI7150.aspx
78-80 looks to be different than post 80

[pennyman1]

get the idler arm bushings instead, unless the pivot on the arm itself is bad. The 78-80 is different than the 81 to 86, then it changes again in 87. Here is the part link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Steering-Idler-Arm-Bushing-Premium-Steering-Suspension-Front-Centric-603-67005/161818834768?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 . It may not work if the idler arm is original - I remember something about that, but it has been years since I rebuilt one.

[OG Arrow]

I bought one locally a couple months ago but never got around to putting it in. It was a 555 brand but looks the same as what's in there now
http://www.butlerautomart.co.nz/our-range/Steering-suspension-front/Idler-arm/Product-Specification-SI7150.aspx
78-80 looks to be different than post 80

Yes, the SI7150 appears to be the correct one. And it is a Very Nice Looking part ! Much better (looking) than the Moog.
But it also has a price tag to match. And that part is on the other side of the world. LOL

The unfortunate part is, if you look on Rock Auto, the part Pictures are correct.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=389549&cc=1382374&jsn=381

But like I said, this was Not what I received in the box marked ACD 45C1045.




get the idler arm bushings instead, unless the pivot on the arm itself is bad. The 78-80 is different than the 81 to 86, then it changes again in 87. Here is the part link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Steering-Idler-Arm-Bushing-Premium-Steering-Suspension-Front-Centric-603-67005/161818834768?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 . It may not work if the idler arm is original - I remember something about that, but it has been years since I rebuilt one.

Pennyman, That is a Great Idea ! I hadn't thought of that for whatever reason. :shrug:
And I changed it to a Moog part (K9086) when I first got the truck, so I know it's not the original OEM one.
Hey, I should check the warranty on that Moog part, it says "Limited Lifetime" so I'll have to look into that.
But the bushing repair kit is a great idea ! :thumbup: