2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Idler arm

[Ramboy]

Both of my front tires are starting to wear on both the inside and outside. Alignment guy said I needed a new idler arm. Does anybody know whether my truck uses the one with 14. 5 mm bracket holes or the one with 16. 5 mm holes? I'm hoping for the larger holes as it costs about half what the smaller one does.

 

[Ramboy]

Let's take this back to the top. Surely someone out there knows the answer to this. I did a search and didn't find anything helpful.

 

[Billy Diesel]

I always thought that an "idler arm" was the arm on the passanger side of an IFS setup that looked somewhat similar to a pitman arm. It attached to the frame, yet allowed the steering linkage to travel in its cycle. At least that's what the idler arm on my old Dakota was. That may be the reason for the lack of responses.

 

[Ramboy]

Will,

This is also referred to as "idler arm" in my Dodge Service Manual. Not exactly sure what a pitman arm is but it sounds like this one does the same thing.

Phil

 

[Thomas]

"I always thought that an "idler arm" was the arm on the passanger side of an IFS setup that looked somewhat similar to a pitman arm. "



I agree with Will. The pitman arm is the crank attached to the steering box. Two-wheel drive Rams have both an idler arm and a pitman arm. The 4 X 4 Rams have no idler arm, only the pitman arm.

 

[BudW]

Yours should be the bigger bolt version. The ¾ ton has different versions depending on the GVRW, but all (2x4) diesels will use the bigger bolt (16. 5mm) ones.



The Idler Arm part number from Dodge is 52038589 for $229. 00.



The Pittman Arm attaches to the steering gear. The Idler arm looks similar but is on the passenger side.



Bud

 

[Ramboy]

Thanks Bud. That's what I was looking for.



Phil