steering gear question

[dynaguy]

Here's what I have:

late, type "B", steering box

early idler

Idler has some slop causing looseness in system. Should I rebuild the idler or source a later one to match the steering box? Is there enough of a difference between the two idlers to matter?

TIA,

Pat

[RBMann]

I went the other way with our '69. Started with late box and idler. The idler was very worn. Found an early used idler in great shape and swapped it in. Everything matched and works great after an alignment.

[greydog]

I've been told there is no functional difference. The later version has a disc welded to the top of the idler shaft which forced the casting to change at the top but either idler will bolt in and accept the idler arm.
Dan