2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission idler arm/steering stabilizer ?????

[LowellR]

when i was lubing the front end yesterday i noticed a good deal of movement in the idler arm. anyone have any sources for a good deal on a new one. i also have the original steering stabilizer and after 135,000 miles it's probably time for a new one. this is a 98. 5 dually. thanks in advance for any info on these parts and merry christmas to all... ... .

 

[rrausch]

My truck started wandering a little too much last year, and was wearing the front tires in weird patterns and I took it in to my front end guy. He is great, I've known him for years, and he put a new Idler Arm and Pitman Arm in. It completely fixed the problem. BUT... the cost of the 2 was over $500.



Is your truck wandering? If it isn't I would wait and try to find a cheaper deal than the one I got. My front end guy said all he could find was the factory Idler Arm and it was expensive. I needed one pronto, but maybe if you looked around a bit you could find a cheaper source than the factory.

 

[LowellR]

no tire problems yet but i know it's going to get worse. i'm hoping that someone can give me some ballpark figures and clues on who to go to. i sure hope i don't have to go to the dealer.

 

[rrausch]

Well a GOOD front end shop would be the place to start. The guy I go to had learned the business from his dad, and the shop had been in the same location for 50+ years. I'd been to him before, for my old '54 Chevy 3/4 ton that nobody could seem to balance the split rims for, and he balanced them while I watched and waited! So when my Dodge/Cummins started giving me problems I went right to him.



If I were you, I would start by asking local guys who have trucks where they get their front end work done.

 

[LowellR]

i actually need a pittman arm, not idler, my mistake. o'reilly has one for $72 and the replacement stabilizer for about $25. i think those are some fair prices. hope this info helps somone else and thanks for the replys.