any vendors still producing an idler arm brace? or does anyone have any closeup pics of a brace?

 

All-Pro makes the brace--as far as I know they are the only choice

 

Downey Off-Road Idler Arm Gusset they call it

 

Why bother? Total Chaos Chromoly Idler Arm!!! I have one, definitely worth it.

86-95 4WD Toyota Idler Arm
Eliminate sloppy steering on your 86-95 Toyota 4wd, install this custom chromoly idler arm. Internal double stacked sealed roller bearings replace the fatigued stock rod end and are impact resistant as well as durable. Laser cut brackets provide precision bolt holes so the idler arm simply bolts to the stock location. An inner sleeve is included so that you cannot over tighten the 3/4" through bolt. Built to handle extreme elements and perform under the toughest conditions, only grade 8 hardware is supplied. Drilling the centerlink to a 5/8" hole is the only modification necessary. Long travel suspension need not be installed!
PT# - 95130- 86-95 4WD Toyota / 92-98 4WD T-100
Price: $325.00

 

They break too. Search this site. A BETTER option, though, if you got the $. Agreed.

 

i'm familiar w/ that piece, but i have an almost brand new arm on my 4runner right now and am just trying to make this one last a bit longer than the other two i've worn out

 

Well, you don't have to replace the entire idler arm each time it gets sloppy, since usually the little plastic bushings are what goes bad. They are relatively easy to replace and only cost about $6 for the set.

Problem is, I was going through a set of those plastic bushings about every month! With the TC arm, no more problems. I estimate I have saved it's worth in tire wear alone, since the car holds a better alignment now.

 

been there, done that, got the t-shirt

 

So are your ball joints going bad, or are you bending the arm?

 

My Downey brace will be for sale here in a few days after I get done hacking my IFS off.

 

replaced OEM one (worn out) ...$60... bent aftermarket one...

oh the best sweetest part, lifetime replacement warranty from schucks...

took the old one in, they handed me a new one =)

FOR LIFE! ... so i can break as many as i want, free free free

i love warrantys.

 

I have the Downey "gusset". Looks just like the one in Marc P's pic. Got it after I broke my idler arm on Blanca Road on Jaws 2 (shortly after the pic in my avatar). Fortunately, I had a spare. I still carry a spare, in case the head breaks off at the relay rod connection. I also went through and replaced both tie rods (and balljoints and CV boots and...)

The bushing replacement kits are cheap and quick. But the gusset/brace, keeps it from breaking (as quickly).

 

i run the downey brace (i didnt know about the total choas one)

 

Part of why I went with the brace even though I seriously considered the TC Idler, is that if I broke off the head of the idler, I'd be stuck. Whereas, with the stock idler braced up, I can carry a cheap (used) spare, and be back on the road in short order. I really like the beef of the LC idler. Just wish they had used a metric stud for the connection to the relay rod... :cry: Then I could still carry the cheap spare, but have a bomber piece on there. Maybe I don't need a spare if I have one of the TC idlers.

 

It's my suspicion that another part of your steering will break before a TC Idler arm will. Problem is, would that piece be more expensive than a replacement idler arm? My guess is an adjusting sleeve would buckle, that or perhaps a TRE. Cheap and easy to carry spares for those parts.

 

so get the TC heims too! I am thinking of this tc idler and heim tie rod setup.
expensive but strong.