914runner

Well I went to go get and alignment today but they wouldnt do it because they said the idler arm was shot. I belive them because this rig has never had an alighnment and never had the arm rebuilt.

From what I remember reading, You can rebuild the arm for about $10 in parts from the dealer, and it is not that hard to do?

Also when I rebuild it would it be worth adding the Downey aidler arm brace?

I am pretty sure there is a write up for rebuilding the arm on here so I will take a look at that.
Thanks

evilcow

I have bent 2 idler arms already. I'm definetly going to get the downey gusset. I'm told it works and the idler arm is weak spot of the IFS.

ChickenLover

I think I remember hearing that there was a problem with the part numbers in that thread about rebuilding the Idler arm. When it came time to replace mine, I picked one up at kragen for 90 bucks with a lifetime warranty.

ChickenLover

Dave,
That's got to be one of the funniest avatars I have ever seen. And this is coming from a Bush supporter.

Marc P

I did mine about a year ago with the part numbers from the writeup on 4x4wire.com--has been working great since.

Cebby

The Downey Brace apparently doesn't fit non-Toyota Idlers. I bit the bullet and got a factory Toyota one and the brace at the same time. I had an aftermarket one that was spent last time...

Fink

I have an aftermarket idler arm but I can't remember the manufacturer...so I guess that means the Downey brace won't work.

Well, I'll just have to be a little careful then.

Sorry for the hijack, but I figured I'd chime in with my disappointment.

Fink

Keggo

I'd have to agree! Though, I'm an ass, not a republican...heh heh.

Flygtenstein

Rebuilding is quick and dirt. If the arm is bent though, it cannot be rebuilt.

I have a Moog from Napa, lifetime warranty. As a matter of fact, I have two. When I fold the first one I swap on the other one and get a new one. I have trashed 2 idlers in the last 3k miles and 10 wheeling days. They suck and if you wheel it, it will bend and screw you.

cvlighthouse

You should get a new one and buy the gusset from Downey. Be sure not to bend the arm before the gusset is installed If there is a cap over the idler arm you have to knock it off to install the gusset.

Fink

Thanks Flygt! I remember what mine is, mine's a Moog too. The lifetime warranty is what sold me. Do you know if the the Downey brace will work with that one?

Thanks,

Fink

evilcow

I have been told that it works with aftermarket idler arms NAPA specificly. But before you drop the dough better check with downey first.

Thanks for the comments on the avatar guys. Glad you got a kick out of it.

hospersc

I am in the same boat, I got the moog from NAPA because of the Lifetime warranty. Maybe this one will last 2 months instead of one month I got out of the stocker from the stealership.

Also are people successful with replacing these without an alignment needed afterwards?

dusty98

I rebuilt mine a few months ago, based on the 4x4 wire writeup. It was very easy. Before you start, get a tie rod puller ($10.00) it makes removing it sooo much easier.

4RunnerKid

Crapola... I just ordered my Downey gusset, but my idler arm was replaced when I had the lift put on. I don't know if it's OEM or not... :pat:

Flygtenstein

I have had no alignment specific issues with swapping.

I am not sure about compatability. All I do is bend, swap and swear.

evilcow

Can you find out? let us know if it fits. Thanks.

Blackulua

Check out the idler arm at chaosfab.com Its pretty beefy for the price.

evilcow

914runner

I just picked up a idler arm from Napa and was wondering how to tell if I got a Moog one?
Thanks