New idler arms required for chain tensioner upgrade?

LeRoux Strydom · 05-06-2003, 05:13 AM

I am planning the hydraulic tensioner upgrade to my 78 SC. I have Wayne's 101 book, have read all the technical articles and am quite exited about it. I will be ordering all the bits and pieces with the required clamping tool very soon.

I am faced, however, with the option of either fitting the spacers for the idler arms at $4.75 each, or fitting the new updated (wider?) idler arm (chain wheel support) at $66 each. Which solution is more reliable? Anybody experience subsequent problems after only fitting the spacers?

Also, do I completely drop the motor and get into the "while-I'm-in-there" syndrome, or will a partial drop be enough?

thanks

LeRoux

Early_S_Man · 05-06-2003, 05:22 AM

LeRoux,

No engine drop ... just remove muffler, support engine & remove rear engine crossmember and cradle mount!

Yes, you need to get the double-bushing idler arms ... binding of the old narrow idlers was the cause of most tensioner failures!

LeRoux Strydom · 05-06-2003, 05:54 AM

Warren, when exactly did the change occur from the narrow style to the wider double-bushing arms? I get conflicting info, Wayne's catalogue says the spacers or new arms are required up to 1980+1/2 model year, yet the technical article says the wider arm is only required on early cars (pre-74). I have not opened my chain covers, so I do not know for sure what's inside. My car is 1978 model year SC. I would hate to order the new idler arms when its not necessary.

LeRoux

Early_S_Man · 05-06-2003, 06:07 AM

LeRoux,

The change was made mid-year during the 1980 model production. It might be a good idea to check before you order any parts ... a P.O. may have already updated them!

jhelgesen · 05-06-2003, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Early_S_Man
LeRoux,

The change was made mid-year during the 1980 model production. It might be a good idea to check before you order any parts ... a P.O. may have already updated them!

I would think the old tensioners wouldn't fit with the new arms, unless there is some spacer involved maybe?

I'm debating this same update, new arms or spacers. I would think the spacers would do the same job of decreasing side loads as the larger bushing of the new arms would.