The shaft diameter at the lower idler arm bushing has been reduced by corrosion and wear. Its probably 1/16" smaller in diameter than the top of the shaft.

Is there any point to getting an idler arm from a wrecker, or are they all going to look like that after 13-22 years?

 

i would say stay away from used idler arms. the bushings in mine went bad but i just said F it. instead of buying $5 replacement bushings i bought a new one from napa for $75.

it also depends on which part of the country you live in. I'm in cali and i have virtually no rust/corrosion on any of my interior/exterior

if you buy a used one... i think it would be pretty hard to tell if the ball joint were bad by just wiggling it in your hand

 

I want an OEM idler so I can brace it with a Downey brace. You do bring up a good point, my balljoint on the idler arm is shot as well.

 

I got one from the local auto parts store, and it looked exactly the same as my stock one just with new bushings and a new ball joint.

sheez, i should probably get one of those too.

 

i got mine from the junkyard...wasnt wasting money on a new one when a SAS is in the near future for me

but then again i lucked out n found a 4runner with a blown 3.0 in the boneyard with a "new" greaseable idler are/ pitman arm and new steering box (receipts in the glove box said they were 6months old

 

bronze bushing upgrade yours.

 

Going to the bone yard to pic up the idler, a front tow hook and god know what else. Love that place.

 

Back already. I got a practically new looking one for $40