71 4x4 idler arm?

[71cheyenne4x4]

Hi my steering is really loose on my 71 4x4. I originally thought it was the steering box, but it turns out that the idler arm is really worn out and has a ton of play in it.

Where can I find an idler arm? or possibly find something that will work. I've tried many auto parts store without any luck. thanks

[danw210]

Do you have power steering or manual steering? I have an entire manual set-up and idler arm.

[danw210]

Originally Posted by danw210

Do you have power steering or manual steering? I have an entire manual set-up and idler arm.

Correction.....I have a pitman arm, not an idler arm. Does the 4x4 have an idler arm?

[Blazer1970]

4WD steering uses a pitman arm, a drag link and a tie rod - no idler arm. What part are you talking about?

[Sinisterspeed]

Originally Posted by Blazer1970

4WD steering uses a pitman arm, a drag link and a tie rod - no idler arm. What part are you talking about?

Exactly what I was thinking.. I was scratching my head too.

[71cheyenne4x4]

It's the arm that connects to the pitman arm. It's a solid bar with no adjustments. So is this the drag link?

I know I need to replace the tie rods as well as they are worn

thanks

[danw210]

Originally Posted by 71cheyenne4x4

It's the arm that connects to the pitman arm. It's a solid bar with no adjustments. So is this the drag link?

I know I need to replace the tie rods as well as they are worn

thanks

The pitman arm connects to the drag link which is adjustable. Take a picture of what you are looking at. Something doesn't match up here.

[71cheyenne4x4]

After looking on here for drag link info-

I guess the original drag links weren't adjustable, that's what made me think it was an idler arm. I know my 79 k20 has an adjustable one and is probably original.

[gerfunken]

See if this helps you....

[gerfunken]

Another thought came across... Those old Power Steering units are adjustable, and you may want to play with that to try and tighten it up. On the top side of the unit, there's a hex head bolt with a nut around it. (It's been a long time since I've done this) but I believe that if you back the nut off a bit, and run the hex-bolt in a bit, tighten it back up, it'll get rid of some of the "free" play in the steering wheel.

[72blue]

u r correct, but if the drag link ends and the tie rod ends are worn badly, perhaps even the ball joints as well, that is not going to do a thing for him...but if it is out of adjustment, that would be a good idea.

[gerfunken]

Understood... I'm tracking down a similar problem in my 72k20... From what I can tell, I've got a lower ball joint out. One of the mechanics I know tells me that it's the steering box...... I just need the time to rebuild my dana-44.. well, that and my eaton rear end. <sigh> Only time and money are required.

[4x4Poet]

I've never seen a 67-72 truck with a non-adjustable drag link. The adjustable links make the ends easy to replace and helps with steering wheel centering to compensate for spring sag or mild lifts. You might look into switching to adjustable. Easy to find since most front GM D44s used them.

Originally Posted by gerfunken

... Those old Power Steering units are adjustable, and you may want to play with that to try and tighten it up. On the top side of the unit, there's a hex head bolt with a nut around it. ...I believe that if you back the nut off a bit, and run the hex-bolt in a bit, tighten it back up, it'll get rid of some of the "free" play in the steering wheel.

Good thought. Just make sure the wheels are off pavement so you can check for binding lock to lock. If the steering wheel won't easily bring the knuckles to touch the properly positioned bump stops to the axle housing, back off the adjustment screw (recessed allen head).

[msgross]

My 68 was non adjustable but a manual steering..

I just bought new parts from Rockauto.com

[4x4Poet]

Originally Posted by danw210

Do you have power steering or manual steering? I have an entire manual set-up and idler arm.

Good question still unanswered.

Originally Posted by msgross

My 68 was non adjustable but a manual steering...

Hmmm...

[msgross]

I have also seen power steering with a non-adjustable arm if that confuses everyone even more!

[71cheyenne4x4]

It has power steering.

I'll probably get the adjustable drag link from napa. The steering box is tight, but the drag link is worn really bad it has over an inch of play back and fourth where it's mounted to the bracket by the spindle.

I'd say the suspension is original on this truck it only has 70k original miles and the suspension is pretty worn. I'll take a pic of the non adj drag link when I get it off....

[71GMChevy]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the board. This is my first post. I just bought a 71 GMC 4x4 C20 with a Chevy Grill and tailgate three days ago.

I also need to replace the drag link as it has about 3/8" play in it. It is a non-adjustable drag link and I can't find anything like it. My solution would be to go to an adjustable since mine has a big lift on it. The picture of the one posted looks like the solution. Here is my truck...

[bkiller]

IF you have the truck on the ground and the wheels dont move and all the play is at the steering wheel its the steering box need to be replaced or adj

[71GMChevy]

I'm sure there is some play in the steering box as well. However, I can watch the ball joint in the drag link move. It is horrific. I can move the link with my hand while the truck is on the ground.

[msgross]

are you sure that the steering arm on the axle knuckle is tight? It looks like a big horseshoe..

[71GMChevy]

Yes, i checked it when I was looking at it this morning. It is insane that the lady before me was driving this thing with the steering the way it was. I barely will go around the block in it until I get the steering and brakes done. All around, this truck needs some tlc...

[bkiller]

my truck has a 1 3/4 of play in the steering wheel hang on

[71GMChevy]

Here is what I found, it is an adjustable drag link setup. I bought all the parts at my local auto supplier. The manufacturer is MOOG. I'm sure there are others.

Drag Link End L $37.18 MOO ES2027L
Drag Link End R $37.18 MOO ES2026R
Drag Link Tube $19.17 MOO ES362S

on right are part numbers and total price was around $100. Pricey but its worth it to have safe steering... It is adjustable and it looks to be around 12-14 inches long just by eyeball.

[jimbug]

You can also find these in an "S" shape for lifted trucks. And if you are a boneyard type of guy the later model ones fit and are adjustable. Be sure to check for any play though, or else you'll be in rhe same predicament as your in.
The moog parts posted by 71 GMChevy are quality units.... worth the $$$ IMO