Ok, I have almost completely redone the front end of a 73 Duster. New upper and lower balljoints, upper and lower control arm bushings, new rotors, calipers, brake hoses, tie rod ends, bearings, seals. All that remains is the pitman arm and idler arm. The latter is extremely worn. However, to remove the bolt holding it to the frame crossmember, there is no clearance above it and it runs into the oil filter assembly. Must I raise the engine to gain the clearance? The engine is a later model so that may be part of the problem. Any suggestions? Can I unbolt the motor mount on that side only and use a floor jack and blocks to raise the engine enough to gain clearance? Is it easier or even possible to remove the filter assembly or is the oil pump attached? Thanks.

Mike

You can unbolt the motor mounts and jack the engine high enough to get the bolt out. Just remember to not overtighten the idler arm bolt when you put it back in or it will rip the bushing out of the rubber.

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