my 91 rs has been vibrating at high speeds, so after checking the balance and alignment, i discovered the pitman arm is shot. the rest of the linkage isnt so pretty either so i've decided to replace everything: pitman and idler arms, relay rod, and inner and outer tie rod ends. what i need help with, if you'd all be so kind , is what tools can make this go smooth, ie: a gear puller etc. also i got some prices from the local parts store (i get a discount) everything but the pitman arm and relay rod will run about $125. the guy said the p.arm and r.rod were dealer only items. is there and aftermarket source for these parts? maybe a whole package?
thanks.

 

You could be the Pitman arm at GMpartsdirect.com for $50 ( plus their outrageous shipping costs ).
Rockauto.com has a MOOG center-link ( relay rod ) for $59.
Spohn carries a MOOG front end rebuild kit for $342, doesn't include the Pitman arm though.

 

Autozone will carry everything. They stock dana/spicer. Napa will also carry everything, they carry Trw/moog (same thing). You will need a pitman arm puller. Make sure the centerlink is OK and make sure the holes for the inner tie rod ends aren't wobbled out.

 

awesome. thanks guys.

 

The pitman arm on a 3rd gen is a non-wear item. Do not buy one for replacement unless it is flat out broken.

The center link has the joints (wear items) for the pitman arm and the idler arm. The idler arm is still a wear item as the other joint is on the idler arm (idler arm has two joints).

RBob.

 

nice, thanks for posting that info. i didn't know the pitman arm was non-wearable. might explain why my local parts store doesn't carry it. since it isn't broken, i guess i won't replace it. im just trying to get the car up to snuff, not gonna drop any serious cash into it. decided to save for a t/a or z28 in better condition. the rs is like a practice car while i learn how to fix stuff.