Is a pickle fork required to remove the idler arm, or have any of you successfully done it without?

 

pickle fork or tie rod puller, ya. i'm sure it could be done without one, but it's just so much easier with it. do the job properly and it'll save you time and sanity in the long run.

 

You can go rent one and then get a full refund when you are finished using it. Just put it on the credit card.

 

I just did mine this weekend with a tie rod puller and it was really easy. Slide it on, tighten it down and it pops right out.
Tie rod pullers are around $9 at most auto parts stores. Best $9 tool I've used.

 

Yeah.. that's for sure, I tried to remove my steering stabilizer without a pickle fork once...

Cool, I'll check out AutoZone or something. But if they are really only like $9 or so, maybe I should just buy one.

Thanks.

 

I got mine at a local Harbor Freight tools store. I wasn't sure the quality, but it looked the same as everyone else's in that price range. I used it to remove my idler arm, and my inner/outer tie rods so I got my money's worth from it.
Right tools make the job much more enjoyable.
Have fun!

 

Very true, I always enjoy working on my truck anyway.

 

i borrowed a pitman are puller set from a cowrker when i lifted my truck... not only can it do pitman arms, but idler arms, tierod ends, and balljoints.....

 

You might want to add one of these:



I just put one of these on yesterday after I had my new idler installed. Took all of 10 minutes. (Downey Idler Arm Brace)

 

I think I may do that. I went and got a tierod puller today for $9, sure did make things easy.

 

Cebby-

Where'd you get the brace from? That looks like it would be a worth while thing to do...I just had my new arm installed about a month ago...maybe less.

Fink

 

fink... its a downey product... under $50

 

Folk's, be sure to check out the Tech section.
I just got Mike's Downey idler arm write-up put up in the Tech section that he submitted tonight.

I think I will do this mod at a later date.

 

Well my steering seems nice and tight now. Unfortunately I still have my 60-70mph vibration .

I'm thinking it's a rim now, but noone's ever said anything all the times I've had them balanced... oh well, at least I don't go above 60 around here often .