Revolutionary Idler arm

atvspeed4 · 03-30-2009, 07:00 PM

Hey, I figured it was time to post over here, I have designed and built a extreme duty idler arm for all 4x4 S10's

My design puts both pivots in a double shear. I am currently testing the prototype and have had no problem at all. I am currently looking into a company to produce them and applying for a patent. If everything goes well I hope to go into production within the next two months if everything works out. I have a full thread over at zr2usa but I will post up a picture over here as well.

I'll keep you guys updated, feel free to ask questions!

wrekd · 03-30-2009, 07:13 PM

NICE!! IFS guys should be happy about this. I know if I had IFS I'd be buyin one.

GeorgesBlazah · 03-30-2009, 07:25 PM

I saw that thread the other day, never got time to read it though. Will this work with suspension lifted trucks?

GeorgesBlazah · 03-30-2009, 07:26 PM

Link to thread

http://www.zr2usa.com/mboard/index.php?showtopic=33138

atvspeed4 · 03-30-2009, 07:33 PM

It should work with suspension lifted trucks as it was built off of the stock idler arm specifications. Would it be possible to get a picture of the area around the idler arm on a lifted truck? Specifically where the idler arm mounts to the centerlink and under it. If I had this I could definitely tell you. It does not move the centerlink from the factory location so the only issue would be if the lift kit decreases clearance under the centerlink where the bolt comes through?

GeorgesBlazah · 03-31-2009, 10:17 AM

Ill see if I can scoop a pic up.

***DJDAudio*** · 03-31-2009, 10:46 AM

I like the idea.

t01blaze · 03-31-2009, 01:29 PM

what do you think it will cost, and does the mount clear the air pump?

EDIT: send me one and I'll tell you how it works on a lifted ifs truck

montec · 03-31-2009, 05:51 PM

I'll take one of those too and see how they hold up in the ND extreme weather. Hell we just went from fighting a flood to now dealing with 10 more flippin inches of snow!

atvspeed4 · 03-31-2009, 10:57 PM

thanks for the comments guys.

Is the air pump the device used for California emissions? If it is I do not know as I do not have one.

It should have no problem holding up to the elements as it does not have any greasable pivots etc.

crazy91s10 · 04-01-2009, 12:19 AM

hell i'd be up for one. def keep us posted on progress towards mass production. would you offer a greasable version? i'd think greasable would add more life to the hardware?

atvspeed4 · 04-01-2009, 09:02 AM

With the Oilite bushings I am using, they should not be greased as they are oil impregnated bronze and are self lubricating

t01blaze · 04-01-2009, 10:43 AM

air pumps are on some trucks...but not all (probably all CA trucks though).

when i did my SL 6" kit I could not relocate the vacuum actuator as per the directions to the frame air pump was in the way...had to put it on the engine crossmember below the P/S pump.

maybe if i can remember later Ill post a pic

GeorgesBlazah · 04-01-2009, 12:00 PM

I thought air pumps were on the 01+?

Any idea on price?

atvspeed4 · 04-01-2009, 02:22 PM

Price is looking to be $120 with lifetime guarantee

GeorgesBlazah · 04-01-2009, 04:06 PM

That sounds good to me. Keep us updated, I should be able to get a pic of my suspension once I get home today.

***orangesonoma*** · 04-01-2009, 04:19 PM

what goes bad with the stock ones and how do i know if mine is going bad..

GeorgesBlazah · 04-01-2009, 04:31 PM

The bearings go bad on the stocker. A really easy way to tell is to have someone turn the wheel back and forth and see if the joint moves any. If your by yourself you can sometimes grab the arm and try and wiggle it. It should have any up and down movement. You should see how much play is in my Idler arm...looks like its gonna fall apart lol.

GeorgesBlazah · 04-01-2009, 04:33 PM

I also forgot to ask, are we able to get replaceable bushings to have as spares? Can they be replaced?

montec · 04-01-2009, 05:08 PM

i hope that lifetime warrenty covers everything of that joint. Including the bolts for sheer. I think I can break it in a week if I try hard enough. maybe even a day.

Edit: but then again I can be brutal to vehicles. like 80mph on gravel and airborne a car and come down on the frame on landing and keep going. nasty those tracks in the country

atvspeed4 · 04-01-2009, 05:22 PM

I'm up for the challenge......
I actually have to get rid of my blazer soon for bending the frame....Im not even close to being easy on my blazer. My last Zr2 I used as a rally truck on a massive local farm that had whoops and even a few small jumps. I have a video of drifting at about 55+. Hence the reason that I made this.

***orangesonoma*** · 04-01-2009, 05:40 PM

where is this video?

montec · 04-01-2009, 05:42 PM

If you make one for me I will test. I am in ND so its not just rain and dirt. We get it all rain, dirt, mud, slimy clay, snow, floods, ice. For getting major companies to pick up may want some info to support a lifetime warrenty. Heck I would even pay a bit for it too if needed.

Edit: I hope those bolts are grade 8 or better!

atvspeed4 · 04-02-2009, 12:50 PM

Don't be concerned about the bolts the main pivot uses a 3/4" Grade 5 bolt rated at 33,130 lbs of shear force and the lower pivot is a 1/2" grade 8 bolt rated at 17,870 lbs of shear force. My design puts both bolts in double shear as well.

montec · 04-02-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by atvspeed4

Don't be concerned about the bolts the main pivot uses a 3/4" Grade 5 bolt rated at 33,130 lbs of shear force and the lower pivot is a 1/2" grade 8 bolt rated at 17,870 lbs of shear force. My design puts both bolts in double shear as well.

So will you fab me up one????

CommanderKidUT · 04-03-2009, 06:48 PM

subscribed

raven2510 · 04-03-2009, 06:53 PM

ive been reading the threads on this.....when it comes available to buy....i might try one.

96S10BlazerGuy · 04-04-2009, 04:21 PM

You've got my attention... I'll keep an eye on this one. I think I would safety wire those nuts (I know you could Loc-tite them but I would prefer wiring them).

atvspeed4 · 04-06-2009, 03:14 PM

Since you can continually adjust the preload on those pivots you cannot cotterpin them but they all have the proper grade lockwashers and the upper pivot will have a nyloc nut and lockwasher. The lower pivot has a grade 8 lockwasher, a grade 8 nut and a grade 8 mechanical locking nut.

t01blaze · 05-19-2009, 12:40 PM

heres said pics of idler arm and air pump. there seems to enough room for your idler arm, but theres only one way to tell. (i need a free one to test). sorry this took so long.... you can also see where i had to move the vacuum actuator because of the air pump interference.

I may need to move that brake line though.

wrekd · 05-19-2009, 08:49 PM

Anything going on with these things???

atvspeed4 · 05-19-2009, 10:28 PM

Sorry for the delay! Thank you for the pics, I have about 2000miles on the arm and am in the process of figuring out the legal and financial items associated with making these things but it looks like it will really happen. It looks like I will need a preorder of 50 people to make the first batch but I still need to check into that some more.

montec · 05-20-2009, 12:05 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by atvspeed4

Sorry for the delay! Thank you for the pics, I have about 2000miles on the arm and am in the process of figuring out the legal and financial items associated with making these things but it looks like it will really happen. It looks like I will need a preorder of 50 people to make the first batch but I still need to check into that some more.

So whats the cost??? Like I posted earlier I would be willing to put it thru hell and give you some feed back. Even without any legal mumbo jumbo.

~~4x4zr2GA~~ · 05-20-2009, 12:09 AM

he said above they should be around $120.

montec · 05-20-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 4x4zr2GA

he said above they should be around $120.

I was hoping it would have come down in price.

atvspeed4 · 05-20-2009, 08:42 AM

Unless I find a manufacture that really can bring down the cost, they are going to be $120.

GeorgesBlazah · 05-22-2009, 03:07 PM

$120 is not that bad of a price. You have probably replaced more than $120s worth of idler arms already. I wouldnt lower the price.

The only thing Im worried about next is what the weakest link will be once this is put on lol.

atvspeed4 · 05-22-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by GeorgesBlazah

The only thing Im worried about next is what the weakest link will be once this is put on lol.

From experience, steering box, tierods, balljoints and control arms are next.
They already make a stronger steering box by PSC

Im working on tierods, balljoints and control arms now while I am testing the idler arm.

ElCaminoManT · 05-22-2009, 10:41 PM

yay! finally a solution to a horrible steering component design!

87c10slammer · 05-24-2009, 08:08 PM

when are these gonnna be available... cause i jsut bent the shit out of mine this weekend on some trails... my tires where looking at each other at one point in the day..

TokoDragon · 06-03-2009, 07:16 AM

this sounds great, maybe 6 years after production stopped 4x4 S10s will have aftermarket options to broken stock parts.

I'm not rough on my truck (usually) but i'd definelty like to upgrade, when something breaks I replace it with something better, I hate putting the same part back in its place.

Thank you.

***Power Performance*** · 06-09-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by atvspeed4

Unless I find a manufacture that really can bring down the cost, they are going to be $120.

Send me a PM for my cell number, let's talk.

montec · 06-09-2009, 10:01 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Power Performance

Send me a PM for my cell number, let's talk.

This Looks positive. Can't wait till I need to order parts as with the rep these guys have on here, I am thinking going with them instead of Moog or Fed mogul. The two I can get local from my commercial accounts.

atvspeed4 · 06-17-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Power Performance

Send me a PM for my cell number, let's talk.

I am definitely interested in another perspective of how best to go forward from here.

White2000LS · 06-17-2009, 01:19 AM

If these work on first gen 4x4's than sign me up for one definatly

t01blaze · 06-30-2009, 12:12 PM

any updates yet?

atvspeed4 · 06-30-2009, 11:36 PM

yes, I removed the idler arm from my blazer this week and I have almost 4k on it. I hope to take it apart this week and do a full inspection of the arm then I will decide on my method of manufacturing.

beedle4 · 06-30-2009, 11:39 PM

cool, glad ur not giving up man!

atvspeed4 · 07-26-2009, 11:54 PM

Well i inspected the arm and found it to be in great shape. Despite the bushing manufacture saying that they did not require lubricant, I added a zerk grease fitting in the main pivot. I am currently in contact with a fabrication shop that may possibly be able to do a small run of these idler arms.

beedle4 · 07-26-2009, 11:57 PM

Bout time! LOL

Please let us know when they are ready...

03-30-2009, 07:00 PM	#1
atvspeed4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 29 Location: User is: OffLine	Revolutionary Idler arm Hey, I figured it was time to post over here, I have designed and built a extreme duty idler arm for all 4x4 S10's My design puts both pivots in a double shear. I am currently testing the prototype and have had no problem at all. I am currently looking into a company to produce them and applying for a patent. If everything goes well I hope to go into production within the next two months if everything works out. I have a full thread over at zr2usa but I will post up a picture over here as well. I'll keep you guys updated, feel free to ask questions!
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-30-2009, 07:13 PM	#2
wrekd Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 2,029 Location: Sugar Notch, PA User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm NICE!! IFS guys should be happy about this. I know if I had IFS I'd be buyin one.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-30-2009, 07:25 PM	#3
GeorgesBlazah Slap my meat on your pita Age: 24 Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 7,214 Location: south jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm I saw that thread the other day, never got time to read it though. Will this work with suspension lifted trucks?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-30-2009, 07:26 PM	#4
GeorgesBlazah Slap my meat on your pita Age: 24 Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 7,214 Location: south jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm Link to thread http://www.zr2usa.com/mboard/index.php?showtopic=33138
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-30-2009, 07:33 PM	#5
atvspeed4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 29 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm It should work with suspension lifted trucks as it was built off of the stock idler arm specifications. Would it be possible to get a picture of the area around the idler arm on a lifted truck? Specifically where the idler arm mounts to the centerlink and under it. If I had this I could definitely tell you. It does not move the centerlink from the factory location so the only issue would be if the lift kit decreases clearance under the centerlink where the bolt comes through?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-31-2009, 10:17 AM	#6
GeorgesBlazah Slap my meat on your pita Age: 24 Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 7,214 Location: south jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm Ill see if I can scoop a pic up.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-31-2009, 01:29 PM	#8
t01blaze rollin' on 33's Age: 24 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 416 Location: South Jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm what do you think it will cost, and does the mount clear the air pump? EDIT: send me one and I'll tell you how it works on a lifted ifs truck Last edited by t01blaze : 03-31-2009 at 01:30 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-31-2009, 05:51 PM	#9
montec Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,104 Location: North Dakota User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm I'll take one of those too and see how they hold up in the ND extreme weather. Hell we just went from fighting a flood to now dealing with 10 more flippin inches of snow!
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-31-2009, 10:57 PM	#10
atvspeed4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 29 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm thanks for the comments guys. Is the air pump the device used for California emissions? If it is I do not know as I do not have one. It should have no problem holding up to the elements as it does not have any greasable pivots etc.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 12:19 AM	#11
crazy91s10 Registered Asshole Age: 24 Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 4,078 Location: Moscow, PA / Mansfield, PA User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm hell i'd be up for one. def keep us posted on progress towards mass production. would you offer a greasable version? i'd think greasable would add more life to the hardware?
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 09:02 AM	#12
atvspeed4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 29 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm With the Oilite bushings I am using, they should not be greased as they are oil impregnated bronze and are self lubricating
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 10:43 AM	#13
t01blaze rollin' on 33's Age: 24 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 416 Location: South Jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm air pumps are on some trucks...but not all (probably all CA trucks though). when i did my SL 6" kit I could not relocate the vacuum actuator as per the directions to the frame air pump was in the way...had to put it on the engine crossmember below the P/S pump. maybe if i can remember later Ill post a pic
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 12:00 PM	#14
GeorgesBlazah Slap my meat on your pita Age: 24 Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 7,214 Location: south jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm I thought air pumps were on the 01+? Any idea on price?
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 02:22 PM	#15
atvspeed4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 29 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm Price is looking to be $120 with lifetime guarantee
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 04:06 PM	#16
GeorgesBlazah Slap my meat on your pita Age: 24 Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 7,214 Location: south jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm That sounds good to me. Keep us updated, I should be able to get a pic of my suspension once I get home today.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 04:19 PM	#17
*orangesonoma* forum idiot Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 46,856 Location: Indian Trail, NC User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm what goes bad with the stock ones and how do i know if mine is going bad..
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 04:31 PM	#18
GeorgesBlazah Slap my meat on your pita Age: 24 Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 7,214 Location: south jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm The bearings go bad on the stocker. A really easy way to tell is to have someone turn the wheel back and forth and see if the joint moves any. If your by yourself you can sometimes grab the arm and try and wiggle it. It should have any up and down movement. You should see how much play is in my Idler arm...looks like its gonna fall apart lol.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 04:33 PM	#19
GeorgesBlazah Slap my meat on your pita Age: 24 Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 7,214 Location: south jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm I also forgot to ask, are we able to get replaceable bushings to have as spares? Can they be replaced?
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 05:08 PM	#20
montec Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,104 Location: North Dakota User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm i hope that lifetime warrenty covers everything of that joint. Including the bolts for sheer. I think I can break it in a week if I try hard enough. maybe even a day. Edit: but then again I can be brutal to vehicles. like 80mph on gravel and airborne a car and come down on the frame on landing and keep going. nasty those tracks in the country Last edited by montec : 04-01-2009 at 05:11 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 05:22 PM	#21
atvspeed4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 29 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm I'm up for the challenge...... I actually have to get rid of my blazer soon for bending the frame....Im not even close to being easy on my blazer. My last Zr2 I used as a rally truck on a massive local farm that had whoops and even a few small jumps. I have a video of drifting at about 55+. Hence the reason that I made this.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 05:40 PM	#22
*orangesonoma* forum idiot Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 46,856 Location: Indian Trail, NC User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm where is this video?
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-01-2009, 05:42 PM	#23
montec Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,104 Location: North Dakota User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm If you make one for me I will test. I am in ND so its not just rain and dirt. We get it all rain, dirt, mud, slimy clay, snow, floods, ice. For getting major companies to pick up may want some info to support a lifetime warrenty. Heck I would even pay a bit for it too if needed. Edit: I hope those bolts are grade 8 or better! Last edited by montec : 04-01-2009 at 05:44 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-02-2009, 12:50 PM	#24
atvspeed4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 29 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm Don't be concerned about the bolts the main pivot uses a 3/4" Grade 5 bolt rated at 33,130 lbs of shear force and the lower pivot is a 1/2" grade 8 bolt rated at 17,870 lbs of shear force. My design puts both bolts in double shear as well.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-02-2009, 03:24 PM	#25
montec Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,104 Location: North Dakota User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm Quote: Originally Posted by atvspeed4 Don't be concerned about the bolts the main pivot uses a 3/4" Grade 5 bolt rated at 33,130 lbs of shear force and the lower pivot is a 1/2" grade 8 bolt rated at 17,870 lbs of shear force. My design puts both bolts in double shear as well. So will you fab me up one????
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-03-2009, 06:48 PM	#26
CommanderKidUT Oh shit.... Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 33 Location: The Moon User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm subscribed
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04-03-2009, 06:53 PM	#27
raven2510 Overhead Console Expert Age: 22 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,628 Location: Omaha, Nebraska User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm ive been reading the threads on this.....when it comes available to buy....i might try one.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-04-2009, 04:21 PM	#28
96S10BlazerGuy Registered User Age: 45 Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 370 Location: Streetsboro, OH User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm You've got my attention... I'll keep an eye on this one. I think I would safety wire those nuts (I know you could Loc-tite them but I would prefer wiring them). Last edited by 96S10BlazerGuy : 04-04-2009 at 04:23 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-06-2009, 03:14 PM	#29
atvspeed4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 29 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm Since you can continually adjust the preload on those pivots you cannot cotterpin them but they all have the proper grade lockwashers and the upper pivot will have a nyloc nut and lockwasher. The lower pivot has a grade 8 lockwasher, a grade 8 nut and a grade 8 mechanical locking nut.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-19-2009, 12:40 PM	#30
t01blaze rollin' on 33's Age: 24 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 416 Location: South Jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm heres said pics of idler arm and air pump. there seems to enough room for your idler arm, but theres only one way to tell. (i need a free one to test). sorry this took so long.... you can also see where i had to move the vacuum actuator because of the air pump interference. I may need to move that brake line though. Last edited by t01blaze : 05-19-2009 at 12:41 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-19-2009, 08:49 PM	#31
wrekd Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 2,029 Location: Sugar Notch, PA User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm Anything going on with these things???
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-19-2009, 10:28 PM	#32
atvspeed4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 29 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm Sorry for the delay! Thank you for the pics, I have about 2000miles on the arm and am in the process of figuring out the legal and financial items associated with making these things but it looks like it will really happen. It looks like I will need a preorder of 50 people to make the first batch but I still need to check into that some more.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-20-2009, 12:05 AM	#33
montec Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,104 Location: North Dakota User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm Quote: Originally Posted by atvspeed4 Sorry for the delay! Thank you for the pics, I have about 2000miles on the arm and am in the process of figuring out the legal and financial items associated with making these things but it looks like it will really happen. It looks like I will need a preorder of 50 people to make the first batch but I still need to check into that some more. So whats the cost??? Like I posted earlier I would be willing to put it thru hell and give you some feed back. Even without any legal mumbo jumbo. Last edited by montec : 05-20-2009 at 12:14 AM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-20-2009, 12:09 AM	#34
~~4x4zr2GA~~ Banned Age: 22 Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 2,361 Location: warner robins, GA User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm he said above they should be around $120.
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05-20-2009, 12:14 AM	#35
montec Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,104 Location: North Dakota User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm Quote: Originally Posted by 4x4zr2GA he said above they should be around $120. I was hoping it would have come down in price.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-20-2009, 08:42 AM	#36
atvspeed4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 29 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Revolutionary Idler arm Unless I find a manufacture that really can bring down the cost, they are going to be $120.
	[Reply w/Quote]