Well ive been in the process of changing the majority of the front steering and suspension parts. Today i took off the tie rods to change out the ends, they were severly worn. well when i got them off i can move the steering arm up and down probably 1/8 to 1/4 inch. As i was doing this, i could see it moving around in the idler arm. How hard is this to change out? I checked prices of the parts from napa, and they are showing 2 different sizes. Which one would I need for a 01 supercrew 4x4? Also, should I change the pitman arm out while im at it since ive got most of the front end torn apart? Thanks guys

 

while you have the front suspension apart, you might as well lift it.

 

Pretty standard to replace. The two sizes refer to how far apart the bolt holes are. Either 2.5 inches, or 3.5 inches. The pitman arm requires a 1 5/16"
wrench or socket and a special puller to replace.

 

I had the same problem with my idler arm, found it when I was replacing the pitman arm...it's pretty easy to replace.

As far as the two sizes, like bigbronc said, it's hole spacing. My '01 took the 2.5" spacing, but if you're not sure, you could just measure the spacing on what you have now. It's referring to the spacing on the two holes that hold the idler arm onto the truck.

Whatever you do, get replacements that have grease fittings and start greasing them regularly.

 

yeah i guess ill go to autozone or napa again and rent the tool to get it off. im gonna replace it and the pitman arm at the same time i guess. just 1 noise coming from the front end of my truck has cost me over 300 already just in parts. Does anyone know what size wrench the tie rods take so i can get them apart and put new ends on them?