i went in to the local shop a few weeks ago for an alignment and they told me they couldn't do it because the idler arm and pitman arms were really loose. i plan on doing the work myself and was wondering where i could save some more money as far as if i really need to replace the pittman arm and such. i also got a recall for the steering rod relay to be replaced and it comes with a complimentary alignment and inspection and ive made an appointment for 3 weeks from now so time is an issue as well.

 

I just did my idler arm for that same reason. I took my Four Runner in to get the recall done and they said that my idler arm had some play in it which is normal and does happen over time.
So they went ahead and tried to do the alignment best they could with the idler arm that way. I think it would be best if you could replace those two before you take it in for the recall and that way you get the alignment done right. I had to take mine in a second time because I changed the idler arm later on.
All you will need is a fork and some sockets. Easy job! Then you will have 3 shiny new parts under that front end next to all the dirty old parts! LOL

 

lol yeah, mine still has some kansas clay stuck on it from a few months ago. are there any preferred brands? i plan on getting a ifs lift kit in a few years and don't want to blow a bunch of money on something that will need to be replaced when i get a lift

 

I had the same diagnosis, over $400 estimated by the shop to fix. Fixed by me in my driveway for a little over $100. Idler arm, Advance Auto (lifetime guarantee), $70 and the Pitman Arm was Marlin Crawler, $60. Easy job, just rent a pitman arm puller from one of the Auto Shack joints. Gear pullers are different, I broke 2 teeth on the one that I tried to use to pull my pitman arm. Lining it up is important but if you're 2-3 teeth off, it can be fixed by a good alignment shop, so don't make a huge deal out of it.

And, grab the BFH...

Then, get a 2-wheel alignment, $50

 

Can you give me.detailed.instructions on how to do this

 

This reply addresses the idler arm only. Check out this thread here that I just posted to today about idler arm bushings. Check out the last page ...I posted info from Sdori's site about model#FA5040 idler arm which is the cheapest as well as the strongest arm with the thickest shaft diameter. Frank from Sdori also sells precision made bronze bearings/bushings for that arm because it is the strongest. Check it out. A lot of info for you there as well as installation of the bearings.

As for the loose pitman arm, check your steering gear box to see if there's play in it or not.

There's also an upgraded idler arm that's big money from Total Chaos. Good luck.