I have the automotive Customizers idle arm brace. It is well constructed and easy to install--it would prevent a massive movement of the idle arm assembly, but does not prevent minor movement. At the time the brace was installed, I replaced the nylon bushings in the idle arm assembly, but they don't last long. My '88 D21 4x4 is running 33x12.50 Thornbirds, which probably stress the steering a good bit--but only about 8 months into the new bushings, there is again quite a bit of wobble in the area around the idle arm shaft.
The Moog assembly is very interesting, and a couple days ago I priced one ($65) at a local autoparts vendor. Question: will the Automotive Customizers brace fit the Moog unit (that is, can you use both--or is the Moog so good that it eliminates the need for the brace)? I haven't seen the Moog, but understand that it is a different design than the Nissan unit.

 

Thanks for the info Bill, and that is an interesting question... Will the Automotive Customizers brace work with the Moog replacement???

 

I have heard that the brace from AC will not fit in conjuntion with the moog. But the AC brace is simply 2 pieces of "L" steel welded, then drilled with the holes for mounting. Would be easy to make or possibly modify the brace to fit the moog. I have heard that the moog uses bearings, and not bushings, making them last longer. Don't quote me on the moog though.

 

Get the MOOG idler arm. I got one recently, and it really helped out my steering wander I was experiencing after my lift. It is somewhat beefier than the stocker, and from what other moog owners tell me, helps hold the alignment much better. Ive only had mine on a few weeks, so I cant comment on long term effects.

Happy Trails
Wade Colvard
Path26@aol.com

 

I actually installed the moog idler today and it improved my steering immensely. I will let you know in the future how I like it. My last Napa lifetime lasted about 7 months so any improvement would be great.

Harvenger 93 Nissan Xcab 4wd V-6 148,000 miles

 

Is the perfect circle idler arm the same as the Moog idler arm?
Kevin

 

I doubt they are the same Kevin since when I asked at a parts store for a moog parts once I was
told "all we have is 'Perfect Circle' ".

I have seen the moog idler arm for my 720 KC 4x4 (part no. K9003) it looks exactly like the original so my question
is why is it better ?

1. Does it have bearings instead of bushings ?

2. Is there both a standard and heavy duty arm for the 720 ?


Lots of wear, lots to go?

 

Just keep in mind, that if you increase the strength of the idler arm, you increase the chance of bending/breaking another point on the steering assembly. Weakest link type of thing.

RM

 

That would always be the case with any system that has more than one component to it. You are only as strong as your weakest link. I suppose that by re-enforcing the idler arm then the tie rod ends would be the most suspect area??? But at least here you know where your weak area is. (Moog also makes tie rod ends for Nissan's don't they???)

 

They do and i have them and they hold up very well. A lot stronger than stock, for sure.
kevin

 

The Moog Idler arm for the D21 are a totally different design than the stock one.

Harvenger 93 Nissan Xcab 4wd V-6 150,000 miles

 

I bought a Moog idle arm assembly yesterday (K9500)and will install it this weekend. On the exterior, it looks very much like the Nissan unit. Hope the Moog interior is better. I'll see if my old Automotive Customizers brace will fit with the Moog--looks like it will, if the threaded shaft is long enough.

 

how much is the moog? what is the pat # for an 88 hardbody 4x4 ? can u get it at napa? and most importantly is it hard to install ???? new to this stuff

 

My truck is an '88 D21 4x4 V6. The Moog part number is K9500--at least that's what the book at my autoparts place said. I paid $65--don't know if thats a good price or not, but lots less $ than Nissan.

Several of the posts on this subject have indicated that the Moog is an entirely different design than the Nissan idle arm; however, the exterior of the one I bought looks like the stock unit. Don't yet know what might be different inside--hopefully, better bushings--maybe even bearings? One worry that came to me is whether Moog sells a heavier duty unit that would also fit, but which wasn't mentioned to me by the parts guy.