Hey everyone. I just put in some fresh shocks today (nothing special, just some Monroe Sensatracs) but boy, what a difference some fresh shocks make -- they were on sale too -- buy three get one free.

As theraputic as it is wrenching on the truck, every time I find something else. The front end is going (pitman, idler, drag link, rods, ball joints, etc.). Should I go O.E. or aftermarket?

I'm probably not the first to ask this, so are there any useful threads?

 

Oops, I forgot to say I can't afford a SAS just yet. Also, it's my daily driver so it can't be out of commision for more than a day or two.

 

I replaced my ball joints, control arm bushings and tie rods last year and used OEM. Pitman arms rarely go out, are you sure its bad?

 

I just finished doing the same but went aftermarket. And I agree on the pitman arm advice. Here is a good link to an idler arm rebuild for about $15.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/idler/

OEM on those parts though!

 

Mt Goat, it's the pitman arm alright. The one connected to the steering box. Moving the the steering back and forth by hand, there's visible play in the joint. Go figure.

 

Oh, and good link. Thanks!

 

Oh I see now you have 35s and lockers, maybe that's why.

 

No, I don't. I don't want those right now. The truck is costing me enough now! Haha..... (that's why I took that out....)