is there anything I should know about installing a new idler arm in my 67. Iv'e replaced everything under the front end and tightened the heck out of everything else, but where the idler arm attaches to the center link I'm not sure how much to tighten here?
It is a tapered stud so make it tight but don't gorilla it and stretch the threads...it has a cotter pin for safety so overtightening it does nothing but possibly damage the unit.
I'm talking about the end that attaches at the center link , its a rubber bushing with a sleeve inside that slips over the stud on the end of the link, no taper
Same thing....make it tight but not too tight to damage it. You simply want to grab the teeth on the sleeve enough to keep it from turning and then put the cotter pin in.
that makes sense , I seem to remember somthing about having the wheels straight ahead too, does this help bring the wheels back to center after turning
You are correct...the wheels need to be facing as straight ahead as possible or you will preload the rubber bushing and end up with erratic steering. It might aid in returning to center but your caster setting is more important.