1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

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poolplayer1

Senior Member
I was greasing all fittings on front end suspension parts and noticed that the steering idler arm has alot of play on it.Probably worn out bushings but I am going to replace the arm,not just the bushings since its an origional part and has been there for many years. Does anyone here have the oem part # for this idler arm that I can get so i can start searching for it. The arm is for a mechanical steering,not a power steering. Thanks for your help.
 
Most of the usual suspect suppliers have 'em., Mac's Eckler's, Concours Parts, etc, etc. No part number needed, just use the search term 1955 Ford idler arm.
 
poolplayer1 said:
... The arm is for a mechanical steering,not a power steering. Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
If you hadn't guessed already, the idler arm for power steering is most likely different. The one on my little '55 is.
.
 
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Yes the manual steering idler arm is completely different from the power steering idler arm. You may be in for a shock. Last time I looked in Mac's, they were only offering the manual steering idler arm bushings, NOT the idler arm.
But, since the idler arm and bushing threads wear against each other, it is highly recommended to replace both, since the acme threads on the idler arm may also be worn.
 
I just looked in an OLD (2017) catalog from Obsolete and Classic auto parts in Oklahoma City.
They showed the entire kit with idler arm, both bushings, rubber grease seals and two grease fittings Part# B5A-3352-A for manual steering $43.95.
BUT, it has been my experience that when one vendor runs out of stock of a specific item, the other repro suppliers also soon run out of it.
Their toll-free order desk is 1-800-654-3247 and specifically ask if they have it in-stock.
 
I did find the bushings for idler arm but not the idler arm kit,which has the bushings and seals.I called or checked online looking for the arm but nobody has it. Obsolete said that its out of stock and might be 6 weeks or so before they get anymore. There is a guy that said he has the one for 63 ford but not the 55. Its my understanding that only the 54-56 will work on this wagon.I guess I will wait and just check every once in awhile with the different part houses. Thanks Daves55 for your help with this part and also the other guys that added their tips and suggestions.
 
It might be a long wait. I ordered a new '55 speedo lens two years ago from TWO different repro parts suppliers. Still waiting.
Did you try Concours Parts, Dennis Carpenter, any of the other guys?
 
Only 1 left but with a price like that it may be available for awhile. Didn't see where it said manual or power.
 
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I did see that particular idler arm on ebay for $236.00.A little too pricey,especially when others like Cgfordparts.com has it for $39.00. Also,Obsolete ford in Oklahoma sells it for $41.00. I have it ordered.I don't mind waiting 4 weeks at that price.
 
Not sure if Mercury is interchangeable, if they are, here are a few part numbers.
 

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without going down to look at mine (both a PS one and non)I do not think that is a correct idle on the bay typical.from memory there should be a dip in it (both)
 
Both
 

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Thanks for the info Merc Cruzer. The idler arm in the mercury looks like mine but the part #'s are different.Mercury is 3355 and mine is a 3352. Maybe the overall distance ( width) of the 2 arms is not the same. Also,according to cgfordparts and obsolete ford parts,there are 2 different part #'s for the 55,one for the PS type and one for the manual steering.
Mine is a manual.Also,thanks to Hot Rod Reverand for the link to the cd and also to the other guys with their opinions and suggestions.
 
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