jjcuff1

I just had some shop work done to my 88 Iroc and they quoted me $550 to replace my pitman arm! WTF maybe the steering knuckle too but still!

So is it simple with hand tools to replace the pitman, center link tie rods ball joints and knuckle? What is typical cost of good parts? And is it a few hour job? (if so I might just have shop do it at $65/hr)

Is it easier to rebuild piece by piece or drop whole assembly build outside then bolt back in 1 piece?

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

Depends on how much it costs you to get it aligned. The parts aren't in and of themselves that expensive, and the job isn't very difficult.

jjcuff1

I can get it aligned for $99 they just replaced all 4 tires and said the idler was worn or something and that they couldn't align it. It was too sloppy to hold. I have not driven it that much but I haven't noticed.

It has sat for decade and going through everything so I am sure I should replace it all to be safe to make it drive like new again anyway.

I would like to replace the in the rear too: shocks, and add LCA and location bracket to tighten things up along with new panard bar and sway bar bushings. That I was going to go to founders and seems like for $300 in parts I can do all that myself pretty easy.

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

If you have the time and basic wrenching skills then I think you could do it yourself.

One piece of advice- count the threads that are showing on the tie rod ends and when you replace them be sure to have the same amount showing on the new ones. That way your alignment isn't too far off.

Everything else just unbolts and bolts back on, to my knowledge.

jjcuff1

Thats what I thought. But didn know if other then unbolting it had some special areas that are a b*tch and require special torque wrench, impact wrench, air compressor or once off I need special assembly to get all back and aligned or something.

If it is like $300 in parts for all of that stuff new and they shop charges me few hours like $200 to install then it is worth my time to pay them

Kennerz

if you have the basic tools it's not hard, just can be messy, or some of the stuff can be a little difficult to seperate (may need a fork) or a few specialty tools. If you don't have a manual and are not a good mechanic, or aren't meticulous about your backyard/driveway skills - pay someone else to do it. Remember it's your front end stuff, you cut a corner it could really cost you(life) if you are competent, no problem. just be honest with how good you are with a wrench. let's just say it's harder than doing brakes IMHO.

And if your stuff hasn't been apart in 20years it can get dirty.

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

if its just the idler arm. you can install that your self..

make sure your wheels are ponted stright ahead.
remove idler from center link first.
then from the front frame 2nd

install... with fingers snug up on center link first.tight.
then frame

when you do make sure it rides level/stright with the center link.
and your good to go.

dont even need to aline it.. should still be just as it was...(shop trick)

your pitmen arm should not be bad.. it would be a center like..

you can do all your inner and outer tie rods your self. set to the same lenght as the ones ya take off..from spindel and center link..replace all 3 parts on ea end..if ya do this you will need to aline it..

1991sleeper

iTrader: (-3)

Also make sure steering wheel is straight when tires are straight ahead

91' bird 305 TBI T-5, trick flow 175 cc heads, 4.10 gears, lots of suspension upgrades......... 24mpg @ 2300rpm hwy 65mph ........ 8.63@ 85mph 1/8th on street tires... 8.000's soon

BrutalGTA

iTrader: (2)

I ordered all new MOOG front end components with QA1 tie rod sleeves for $250 a few months back from Jegs. They price match so I attached the links from rock auto and good free two day shipping. If your patient and have some ambition it's a cakewalk job. Probably find a how to on YouTube.