Pitman/Idler Arm Problems

[69camaroman]

I am restoring a 1960 Chevy El Camino and have a problem with the steering. It originally had a front steer-slave cylinder/draglink set up, but is being converted to a regular GM "605" box with pump. The original idler arm length center to center is 5 7/8 inches, but the replacement idler arm is 6 1/8 inces. The original pitman arm is 5 7/8 inches and is being re-used. What kind of effect will this have on the handling and alignment characteristics of the steering and will it cause problems during alignment and driving? Will this cause binding of the links and an "uneven feel" when steering left as compared to steering right? This vehicle is to be a daily driver and needs to be right for the customer. I have rebuilt many vehicles and replaced various suspension components and have never ran across this problem. The "kit" manufacturer states that this is the correct idler arm for the task. I have my doubts. Any help here would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[evelrod]

Having seen this particular job done on a 60's Chevy, I don't recall any red flags that popped up. If I were to do it, I would make the pitman/idler equal if for no other reason than to keep the ackerman the same. I don't see any really bad things happening on a street driven vehicle, but it's still not right, IMO. The best setup I saw recently at a local show/cruise night was an El Camino with a Vette r&p. Sure look cool.

Rod