custom truck mods

Calmini idler arm brace

Stamped Calmini logo	Angle view of idler arm brace
Slight angled view of idler arm brace	Straight on view of idler arm brace
Before installation, wide shot	Before installation, close shot
After installation, wide shot	After installation, close shot
Overall position of brace	Closeup of installed brace
Modification of flap mounting	Do not reinstall the stock washer

wow, that's blue!

The Calmini idler arm brace is a cheap mod and a very effective solution to a proven problem. If you off-road, and/or generally run larger tires - you may hit an obstacle in such a way that it sheers off the idler arm pivot pin at its single shear point, as stock. This brace will provide a second shear point, in effect, strengthening this critically weak area.

As for the blue, well - that's Calmini's signature powdercoating. It's quite bright, but very beautifully finished. The laser cutting and precision welding on this simple little bracket is something to behold.

Unless you're going with SLR's complete steering upgrade system, and even still - I think the Calmini brace is the best of the currently available ones on the market. With the SLR brace, you lose the stock tow hook point and seems to have a funny angle, a little weak looking and more complex than need be. The Automotive Customizers brace while similar in design has only two bolts holding it on an takes the approach of bolting over the pivot pin assy. rather than under, as the Calmini brace does. It has less metal to it which is thinner than the Calmini version.

installation

Installation is as simple as loosening four bolts, slipping the brace in and re-tightening those same four bolts. Three hold the idler arm pivot assy. onto the frame and the fourth is actually on the end of the pivot pin. In its stock form, the bottom of this pin has just the washer and nut - the brace essentially replaces the washer and therefore should not be re-installed.

As noted in this picture you should flip the position of the snap pin holding the rubber splash guard in place and tuck it back in upon re-installation.