Idler and Pitman Arm, Tie Rods

[JochenWoern]

I was informed yesterday while my truck was at my buddy's shop for an oil change that I have play in my idler arm and it should get replaced. I was informed that the pitman arm was still looking good, no mention of tie rods.

QUESTION:

- Is it ok to just replace the idler and NOT the pitman?

- Would you do both?

- What about the tie rods?

As all of course costs money and if all you guys agree that some parts wear sooner than others, then I of course would prefer to do a bit at a time and not all at once.

What are your thoughts, opinions, experiences?

Teuck has 134k miles.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Goodinblack]

I would do what's worn and a delco water pump.


Hahahhahahahahahaha

 

[JochenWoern]

I would do what's worn and a delco water pump.


Hahahhahahahahahaha

Thanks Bud, you are DA MAN.

 

[Goodinblack]

Thanks Bud, you are DA MAN.

 

[z0lt3c]

I would do the pitman arm, idler arm, idler arm pivot, inner and outer tie rod ends all at once. There is alot of overlap with labor costs to these jobs, plus alignment(s), and if one failed the other isn't far behind. If you want to save some money, I would go with a Moog pitman only (best deal is at advance auto w/ coupons) and get the OE Brand idler/pivot/tierods from ebay. Total cost of all parts should be under $150 using these brands. Remember to grease all the fittings and definitely inspect your ball joints.

 

[01Konvict]

I would do Pitman and Idler Arm at the same time but check to see if you really need Tie Rods. Mine didn't need Tie Rods and it has 195k...

 

[JochenWoern]

I would do Pitman and Idler Arm at the same time but check to see if you really need Tie Rods. Mine didn't need Tie Rods and it has 195k...

Thanks guys.

I re-checked/re-confirmed, there is no play in the pitman and the tie rods are ok as well, so I will only change the idler arm so far.

 

[scoobyxj]

I would do the pitman arm, idler arm, idler arm pivot, inner and outer tie rod ends all at once. There is alot of overlap with labor costs to these jobs, plus alignment(s), and if one failed the other isn't far behind. If you want to save some money, I would go with a Moog pitman only (best deal is at advance auto w/ coupons) and get the OE Brand idler/pivot/tierods from ebay. Total cost of all parts should be under $150 using these brands. Remember to grease all the fittings and definitely inspect your ball joints.

Why do you recommend the Moog pitman arm, and the OE branded stuff off E Bay? I'm about to do basically a front end service, and trying to get the low down on the recommended parts. E Bay has a whole front end kit (OE Brand) that includes everything including ball joints (which I really don't need) for $134. The Moog arm at Advance is $93.99, and $53.79 on Rock Auto. I can do everything for $120 (except the ball joints) using the "service grade" (all Rabastos) line off Rock Auto, and it'll be $292 using the standard replacement line that uses all Moog parts.

 

[z0lt3c]

Why do you recommend the Moog pitman arm, and the OE branded stuff off E Bay?

The OE BRAND pitman arm I got from ebay, in the bundle, was mis-splined and resulted in the steering wheel offest by 90 degrees, which basically prevented a proper alignment. It sounds simple now, but It took me many, many hours, a few different mechanics and alot of $$$ to figure out why the steering wheel was off. I swapped the OE pitman for a Moog pitman and the problem was solved. All of the other OE BRAND parts in the kit I was very satisfied with. You can generally find 30% off coupons for Advance Auto if you order online and pickup in store.

 

[01TX_Tahoe]

i just had all that replaced on mine when i did the lift and it rides like a whole new truck. Before i had a lot of play but now, its all good.