this isnt exactly third gen related but im not really familar with the suspension on my pickup. Its a 91 cheverolet fullsize pickup, and its sort of a ranch truck, but anyways, its got some play in the steering, like i can turn it both ways about an inch and it doesnt respond. I was told this might be the idler arm or something along those lines, and i went to purchase new shocks for it and the guy at ntb told me that i should get it alinged after i put the shocks on. The guy said i might need "knock outs" or something along those lines. My questions are:

-What could be my possible causes for this play?

-What are "knock-outs"

-Where is the idler arm located?

thanks guys

 

The idler connects to the passenger side frame and to the centerlink part of the steering assembly. Most likely that is bad. Mine went out kind of early on my 92 GMC C1500. Jack up the passenger side of truck and have someone wiggle front passenger tire while you look at the steering pieces. It will show up if its bad. You will also want to have the alignment shop adjust the steering box while the are aligning truck after idler arm replacement. You don't need an alignment for just shock replacement. It has to be something more direct with the steering linkage such as tie-rod ends, ball joints, center link, and idler arm.

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91 Camaro RS 5.0L Black Convertible 700R4
** Added so far **
*GM Wonderbar,Alston SFC's,spohn LCA's and Panhard rod
*Turbo City Inj Spacer
*Dual Snorkel Air Filter
*March Performance Pulleys
*GM 3.42 Gears with OEM Zexel POSI
*Edelbrock headers
*3" High Flow Cat
*3" Dynomax Exhaust
*Walbro 255 lph Fuel Pump
***Future 330hp Vortec Crate with LT4 hotcam and 454 TBI

[This message has been edited by brharris27370 (edited July 26, 2001).]