Just went out to redo the bushings in my idler arm on my '87 4runner and found something very strange indeed. Instead of an idler arm with a long post, 2 bushings, cap and oil seal (like I've seen in the FSM and on a few write-ups), my truck has an idler setup that has 2 tapered posts, like two tie-rod ends. The relay rod end of the arm is identical to the tie-rod ends at the knuckles. The end that has the housing that bolts (3 bolts) to the frame is like a larger version of a tie rod end and about the same length as a tie rod end post. No bushings in the housing. No cap or oil seal.

Can anyone tell me what the heck I'm looking at here? Can I rebush this thing somehow to get rid of the slop?

I can take some pics to show if that'll help.

Thanks,
Aiden

 

Yeah pictures would be good.

 

Here's a pic. Pass side frame end mounted housing.


?????????????????????

 

That's one of them wierdo Moog Suspension units. I know where to find that idler arm online, have not found the bushings for it though.

 

...it has no bushings. It actually has no discernible play either, so I may just slap it all back together and hope that an alignment with cure my Runner's wandering ways. Don't see any wear in any of the other steering/suspension bits...hmmm.

I do have 31's which are a da#& sight wider than stock. I've heard that increasing the toe will accomodate the wider tires tendency to wander.

 

Here's a pic of the moog idler...No bolt housing...no tapered shaft...

Hmmm...anyone?

 

Ya, maybe some toe in could help. I run 12.5 wide tires with 0" toe in. Any more than this and they squeal a tad in the corners, which I fly through. It's a trade-off, the wander effect you get from wide tires. My truck is bad, I need the whole steering setup replaced. It don't like 35's much. Found that Moog one, there's a few different ones. Son of a...... well it's on the rockauto site. Till I can round that pic up. Here,

 

Yep...that's the beast. Mystery solved! Thanks Mudhippy!

I guess I'll put it all back together, grease it and go... to the alignment shop, that is.

I'm going to be running 33"'s with 4.88's and a True-track up front. Guess I'll talk to the alignment shop about how much toe I can go before I squawk around the corners.

Thanks again,
Aiden in Boulder, CO

 

I had on of these on my junk. It lasted a wheeling trip and a half, and then it was so bent it was grinding the bottom of the frame rail when I turned. If you wheel your truck very hard at all, get an OEM replacement and put a truss on it.

 

I just picked up my lifetime warrantied Moog at the local Advanced Auto Parts store. I asked if it was a Moog and the kid said it's TRW, but the same as Moog. So, now I have a trail spare and if the factory one breaks on the trail after rebuilding it and the Moog breaking, I have a new Moog waiting that was under lifetime warranty. Note to self: Don't drift unless on dirt...curbs hurt, even sideways.

But it shouldn't be tempting anymore with 31x10.5's. The stockers squeal and beg for punishment. I mean, 225/75 R15. What were they thinking? Shop estimate $458.22 for a new idler arm and pitman arm. Idler: $68 w/lifetime warranty, Pitman: $49 from Marlin Crawler- Note to self: All shops rip me off or try their best