The Making of LIC Motorsports Adjustable Idlers

We thought it would be fun to let you guys in on the making of the LIC Motorsports Adj. Idlers.  Often times one never really thinks just how something is made, albeit that it never crosses one's mind, too busy to even think about it, and/or just downright don't even care.  Well we know some do care and would be interested; so this article is for you!
 
The chronology is like many other designed parts...which has a chain of events that must occur

• Figuring out before hand if the idea will even work  
• Lots of math and calculations to get length/width/height/offset/back spacing correct
• A one off handmade test piece will be made for test fitment/functionality purposes
• Next finding out what material is best suited for the intended part(s)
• From there it goes to a test production product (a one off final production piece)
• Tolerances are confirmed or adjustments are made if needed
• Then subjecting the test piece to different temperatures to see expansion/contraction rates
• Testing the test piece in real conditions (this was 2 years before we moved onto the next step)
• Figuring out hard costs vs. retail (and if the market will support it)
• Production is setup (batch ordering is always best for cost effectiveness)
• Items are run and double/triple checked for tolerances
• Product is given a name/description/part number
• Images, install instructions are made, item fitment categories are done
• Content gets uploaded via website
• Promotions begin

 
The process seems fairly uninvolved right?  Well let me break it down a little differently and a bit more product specific.  This is what it takes to make 1 idler bearing (which is only 50% of what comes in the kit).

• All of the above mentioned bullet points
• Steel round bar makes its way to the CNC lathe
• Underside of product is precision cut on CNC lathe (what is now called a slug)
• Product then makes its way over to the CNC mill
• While in the Mill it will be: precision drilled, trimmed down, and engraved
• Once out of the Mill it will be cleaned and placed in a box
• Tolerances will be double checked to ensure they do not exceed 0.005 - 0.001
• Parts go from this box to a table
• Each part is hand cleaned
• Assembly of LIC idler insert and bearing will happen one at a time
• Next it gets tested to ensure it rolls smoothly and functions properly
• After all that, it gets cleaned yet again and small amount of rust protection is placed
• Item is placed in packaging and is now ready to sell
• Total time from steel round bar to inside box = 30 mins (15 mins per Idler)
  
• Last but not least, this product is: PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA