pitman arm

[Snake]

Is there a way to check my pitman arm and idler arm to see if they need to be replaced.Cant road check it yet thats 6 weeks away.If I can save a little here that would be be good for once.Thankssssss.:cheers:

 

[DJVCUDA]

I had mine up with jackstands under the frame - my idler arm was shot and you could take the passenger side wheel and wiggle it side to side and watch the idler arm move everything up and down - so you will see movement in the centerlink when the pitman/idler arms are bad

 

[Snake]

thankyou much sir.

 

[340sFastback]

Some times the nut/bolt that goes through the k-frame can be snugged up to keep the idler arm from moving up and down. However, it still needs to pivot freely after tightening.

 

[green1]

On my 1999 Dodge 1500, I replaced the pitman, checked everything else, and took it to the alignment shop. The said the pitman was shot. I said align it anyhow, as I had wander. Being an ex front end mech, I got pissed, took it home, and checked. Couldn't find any play. Still had wander, so I bought a moog pitman, and broke 2 pullers, and almost my face, trying to get the old one off. Gave up, and took it back to the shop. They broke a $200 puller, had to cut it off with a die grinder.
No wander now. And I couldn't find any slop in it. Go figure.

 

[Snake]

Just wondering are there any washers on either end of the idler arm.

 

[340sFastback]

Just wondering are there any washers on either end of the idler arm.

None between the arm and the k-frame but mine has thick washers on the bolt and nut end on the outside.

 

[Snake]

Thank you sir.