Because I don't. I was unaware that there were any 1st gen (at least IFS) 4runners that came without an idler arm. This renders my $15 kit and weekend intention of tightening up the steering somewhat moot.









Anyone know?

 

um that is your idler arm.

 

That's an aftermarket idler arm, probably MOOG.

 

Okay... well it looks nothing like what I see in the FSM (for the 88 yr model, mine's an 86), nor this pictured in the well document write-up.

 

That's a moog in the first pic, I have one on my 90, why do you want to rebuild it? are you sure that it's loose?

 

I am not sure it's loose, but when I have the taller tires on the truck, the wife refuses to drive it... was hoping to inexpensively get some slack out of it, reading everywhere on here that the idler arm is the most likely culprit... looks like the outer tie rods have been replaced in the past... perhaps about the same time as this idler arm was changed out. Looks a lot simpler (and smaller) than the OEM piece. Do you know if it's re-buildable?

 

Went and quickly looked around on the intarweb, and yep, looks like a moog.

 

Jack up the front end of the truck, then turn the steering to find out what part needs to be replaced

 

The MOOG's are actually pretty stout, I know that you can put more grease in there if you have a grease gun, don't think people rebuild the moogs' because I think they might have a lifetime replacement warranty, not sure though, I'd have to rummage through my receipts. But, yes jack up the front end and shake the tires and see what is loose before you start buying up parts on a hunch.

 

That's probably next step. Can't find anything loose while on the ground -had the woman wiggle the wheel while it was on the ground and couldn't see any slack. Truly it isn't bad with the stock street tires. Even with the 32" KM2s it doesn't bother me... but it does her.

Appreciate the help, everyone.

EDIT: Yep, just went back up there lifted up the front end and it's the idler arm allowing for up/down play. Guess I'll be going with another after-market unit... don't think Moog will be interested in giving me a freebie since I didn't put that one on.

 

Go to rockauto.com and then google coupon codes, could save you on shipping

 

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...ntifier=334889 $50 from autozone and most likely not even have to order it.

or take the chance on this one that it is in fact that brand: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/McQua...item1e610c7780 $30 shipped.

 

Awesome link, Logan. That's a keeper. I'll save that. I was in the "get it done now" mood, and NAPA happened to have one on the shelf, so I ran down the road and it's now on the truck. Makes a nice difference. Not only does it have less slack / wandering tendency, but the steering has a bit of resistance on it now, making it less vague. Only little bit of play now is somewhere between the steering shaft itself and the pitman arm. Didn't see anything visibly "strange" about the pitman arm, so could be something in the gear housing.

 

might be a good idea to just freshen up or at least inspect the rest of the front end and then align it: ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearing repack, possibly replace steering stabilizer. should really help freshen up the steering and give stiffer feeling at the wheel. if you replace stuff, keep trail spares to get you home if something breaks.

 

check the shaft output on the steering box, min has a worn bushing or something and has side to side movement have her move the steering wheel slowly while you watch it, just move the steering wheel back and forth. havent changed mine out yet but will in the future. going sas so wont need all the other stuff soon.