So how exactly would I tell if my idler arm was loose?

 

Just crawl under your rig and wiggle it around. Push up and pull down on it. It really shouldn't have any play in it. If there is play in it, search the web for a write up on replacing the bushings. It's really easy to fix.

Check the three mounting bolts where it bolts to the frame. Make sure they aren't loose.

Also, while your under there check to see if it's bent. It should be at about 90*, but they get bent upwards if you wheel them hard.

If it's suspect, get it fixed. I broke the ball joint/stud part of mine where the steering center link attaches. It sucks when you break stuff hours from home. Even worse if you out on a trail somewhere.

 

Thanks, I'll give this a try. I was wiggling it a little and it seemed pretty tight, butsome shop told me it was loose. I will get under it and give it a more thorough inspection tomorrow.

 

LOok for play both at the end where it swings back and forth in it's bracket, and at the end where the steering link attaches to it. Pretty tight isn't gonna do it - there must be no play at either end. If you jack the RF tire off the ground, have a burly friend really yank on the tire side-to-side and look for play. For the end joint, place your finger against the rubber dust cover and you'll feel even a small amount of play. Not movement in the normal swiveling directions, but "clunk" or freeplay is what you'r detecting. MY experience has always been you can tell, it's tight or it isn't. No compromise, if it isn't bona fide tight, replace it.

 

You might wanna get one of these also...

http://home.earthlink.net/~audiorat1...m%20gutset.jpg

It'll help strengthen the ideler arm so it doesn't go bad again. I had it since new. Didn't have any problem. sold it after SAS with the ideler arm around 110K miles.

 

Total Chaos also makes a 4WD idler arm kit for $299. It is super beefy.

They have a heim steering link kit as well both can be found here
http://www.chaosfab.com/toyaccess.html

 

300 bucks eh? I think the gusset that Downey sells is around 40 bucks.....

 

I'm sure the gusset is a good product but the TC part is in a whole different class, look at that thing!