jkorey

Hey everyone! I am a Newbie. I have been into chevy muscle cars all my life and in the past year I purchased a 1988 4runner and have fallen in love with it. The truck is in great shape and has a 22re with a 5speed. I have major plans for it and don't intend on getting rid of it. But I need some help. It needs a new idler arm and I don't where to go to get one. I try to stay OEM, but for this I can't seem to justify the $250 price, unless someone here tells me it is the BEST!! Please guide me. Thanks

StewsRunner

iTrader: (1)

Good choice on getting a yota =D

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Search "idler arm"

It gets asked a lot

:wabbit2:

snobdds

Just rebuild your OEM one with new bushings and a dust seal. Cost is about $15.00.

It's an easy fix...

jkorey

Those rebuild parts...does the toyota dealership still carry them?

MaK92-4RnR

You can replace it with a autozone one, itll work fine.

You can rebuild it as well.

The idler arm of idler arms is obviously the total chaos one. its $350 + shipping. You'll never break it

snobdds

Yes, your dealer will have them, thats where I get mine.

I know marlin crawler carries the bushings, but I don't think they carry the dust cover.

Here is a write up...

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/idler/

jkorey

Good Deal!! Thanks for all the help on this. I have one more question right now, I am wanting to do an engine swap(mine runs fine with 342,000) in the future. I am thinking about Davez offroad performance engine. Anyone have any thoughts on this. I have also looked into ted at engine builder, but I can't find a machine shop worth their salt on toyota engines in my area, south carolina.

snobdds

The closest is probably DOA in North Carolina...

http://www.doaracingengines.com/

MudHippy

They do? Since when?

Anywho, if you're going to order new bushings for yours, you need the ones for the older idler arm(since it's an 88). The part number for those is 90385-18068.

However, it also needs mentioned that you can get bronze idler arm bushings too. Which FAR outlast the stock plastic ones. BUT, they will only fit 1 particular aftermarket idler arm(and won't fit any OEM idler arms). The aftermarket unit is already better than OEM, because it has a slightly thicker shaft. Then if you put the bronze bushings in it, it's MUCH better than the OEM unit. And still cheaper too.

Word of caution on DOA: I still haven't heard ANYTHING good about them. They pretty well ruined their reputation years ago through poor business practices and shoddy work. And, like I said, nothing's changed recently that I'm aware of. Other than they finally resolved enough issues with former customers to NOT receive a failing grade from the BBB.

jkorey

Ok. Did not know that about the aftermarket one verses OEM. Any particular parts dealer or aftermarket brand you recommend? I did look at the Total Chaos one and Wow!! I like but it might be more than want my truck needs.

MudHippy

No, not particularly. The plastic bushings are cheap wherever you get them. And you can get aftermarket plastic bushings too(for OEM idler arms only). Which aren't really any better or worse than the OEM bushings, nor are they much cheaper.

However, if you were wanting to replace the idler arm, I would recommend the aftermarket unit. The Autozone FA5040, McQuay-Norris FA5040, Kragen/O'Reilly FA5040. Then you'd have the option of upgrading to the bronze bushings(immediately, or when the plastic bushings in it wear out). But, you'd lose the option of being able to replace the plastic bushings in it(like you can with an OEM unit). Since they aren't available for that idler arm.

The aftermarket idler arm with the bronze bushing upgrade(± idler arm brace) is the middle ground between stock and TC performance wise. And it's cheaper than both(most likely...depending on the price of the idler arm brace too, if desired, but even with one it's still probably cheaper than either).

jkorey

Ok, just looked that up. gonna go with that. Will I have to get the 4runner an alignment after I install the new idler arm?

jkorey

Good news. AutoZone had 1 in stock going to pick it up now.

donomite49

(MaK92-4RnR)The idler arm of idler arms is obviously the total chaos one. its $350 + shipping. You'll never break it[/quote] x2 you should see it in person. a lot of money but a lot of strength and quality. i didn't do alignment.

jkorey

Ok trying to put the new FA5040 on my truck....The old one has a longer stud on it than the new part. Probably close to an inch longer. It does not exactly fall into place and bolt up. Is this normal? Is this ok and I just need to keep working on? Will I need to get it aligned if I do get the new part on? Please advise

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

See below for idler arms that work with the bronze bushings:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/IdlerArm.shtml

MaK92-4RnR

x2 you should see it in person. a lot of money but a lot of strength and quality. i didn't do alignment.[/QUOTE]

yeah i plan on putting one in my truck eventually.

MudHippy

I'm not sure I understand...what part is the stud? And how exactly is it not bolting up?

Yes, it's possible the alignment can change slightly from installing a different idler arm. So you definitely want to have it checked, and adjusted if necessary.

jkorey

yeah I was an idiot...I got it on and it drives much better!!! thank you guys for all the advice and help!!!