idler arms on 63 and 79 c10s - need quick help doing front end swap

hi all
i got everything rigged up except the tie rods and the tie rod arm on my 63 c10 2 wd. i am using a 79 chevy truck for all the donor parts and everything works well except for the p***enger side mount )(the l-shaped arm thing on the idler arm) that bolts to the frame rail. on the 63 the stock location is on the frame just behind where the front and the arm goes almost straight up. added a pic for reference.

i know i can simply drill new holes for the 79 anchor arm on the 63 frame but in doing so i may need to clearance the front-most upper control arm by spacing it out further towards the wheel well. is this ok?

should i try and swap the old 63 idler arm onto the 79 steering setup? anyone know if it will fit? simple enough to try i guess. thanks for any insight. hoping to have the front end done this week so i can get the truck to the local guy to install the rear axle and lowering setup.

thanks all

- jason

 

You have to use the idler arm off the year you got the ifs off of for it to work properly on the 63. You will need to drill new holes for it if im not mistaken.
Dave

 

The geometry is all wrong with the '63 arm. Shouldn't be any clearancing necessary with the '79 arm, just drill the holes and bolt up. If you have it available, just take measurements from the '79 frame and punch them in the '63.

 

Are the holes in the center steering link the same distance apart in both steering links 63 vs 79? With the truck sitting on the ground and both wheels straight ahead both the pitman arm and idler arm should be parallel and straight in line with each other?

The 63 Idler arm might work if it keeps the center link level. If it isn't level and the length of the arm it's self doesn't match the length of the pitman arm then you would need to change arms.

 

basically drill your holes same dimensions as the 79 ! but what i do is clamp it to the frame,looking from the front -keep the crosslink { across }level / with tires straight forward ,then drill holes ,an alignment shop might have to center up tie rod ends /adjustin or out / to center the steering wheel good luck mike "carryallman" wahl

 

awesome thanks all. just wanted to ask before drilling holes, swapping bits etc. thanks very much.