I'm running out of time before a trip & am wondering if I can make this trip before rebuilding the pitman & idler arm. The only thing that tells me I may have a problem is a clunking sound at full steering lock while moving. I also just bolted on a set of 32's & Downey HD's with a slight turn on the torsion bars.

Any opinions are welcomed & thanks!

 

I am by no means a mechanic but I have always been told there are three types of car probs that can kill you; Brake probs, Fuel probs and steering. I would have a mechanic look at em' and just swallow the bill.

 

It's only dangerous if it separates. Decide what your life is worth and make a decision.

 

Yes it is dangerous!!! Pitman arm = steering control. Loss of steering = dangerous...... You can rebuild the idler arm, though. Not sure about pitman arm, I believe they are around 80 bones new.

 

Ya! heed the advice above. You don't want either to fail, especially the pitman arm You could die!!!

 

Well, good news! What I thought was a suspension arm noise turned out to be the bump-stops for the steering rack. It was only making noise at full-lock, & that fixed it. They wore down to metal on metal...

So now the drama continues... My Downey HDs were to be here by Thursday, but now won't be here til Friday, minus the brake-line extension. Sounds like I will be having to fab this one myself. I've got a great place that makes brakelines for a decent price. So wish me luck... THANKS!

 

how did they fix the problem b/c mine does the same thing.

 

It's a common problem. You can either go the easy route and just put a little grease on them or you can buy replace plastic caps but I've heard they fall off rather quickly.

 

The idler arm tends to be a snatch when it comes time to replace it. I have a buddy that did the work on mine. It took him forever to get it all to separate. It was hella scary to drive though with that loose feeling. Its alot like driving on ice being your rig wants to travel and there is so much play. I guess you need the alignment done after though cuz my steering wheel still isnt straight. But yeah, not so safe to drive on when you know its going out. Only a matter of time til it goes and hopefully its not while doing 50+ on a highway. It will be much like if your steering wheel just pulled right off. You will have no control over where you will crash or if you will make it out alive.