Topic: Idler arm and Pitman arm universal???

[motox470y]

I have to either tighten up or replace my idler arm and pitman arm is what Midas told me when I got my free oil change there, sorry for the stupidity not great on this subject but are idler arms and pitman arms a universal type of part? of vehicle specific. Where could I find some for tomorrow?

Got a busy weekend, got to replace those, get an alignment and then throw on my summer shoes sunday. Any later then sunday and I'm gonna have a stroke... 

PLEASE HELP! MUCH APRICIATED 

[Enkei]

They Love to sell those...  Jack up your front end and shake your wheels. Are they loose? Yes then maybe NO then get your oil changed and get away from them..Places like this (Firestone,Sears,Goodyear and many others ) Hire Back yard Mechanics and try to sell you everything they can to make some extra $$$  Most times you do NOT need it..  And some have even been cought selling you these extra services and NOT doing them...  Beware.......

[el_coqui]

They are specific for your model truck.  The Idler arm is attached to the frame with two bolts and nuts and the other end is attached to the center link.  You may need a tool called a fork to remove the old one from the center link.  The pitman arm, one end is attached to your steering box and the other end to the center link.  You need a pitman arm remover tool for that one.  I've never heard of anyone needing to replace the pitman arm because its a steel not wearing part.
good luck

[D323]

They are specific for your model truck.  The Idler arm is attached to the frame with two bolts and nuts and the other end is attached to the center link.  You may need a tool called a fork to remove the old one from the center link.  The pitman arm, one end is attached to your steering box and the other end to the center link.  You need a pitman arm remover tool for that one.  I've never heard of anyone needing to replace the pitman arm because its a steel not wearing part.
good luck

The pitman arm is a part that wears out; the arm itself is steel and wont wear, but the joint on the end can wear out.  The joint is typically not replaceable/serviceable separate from the arm and requires replacement of the arm should there be to much play in the joint.

To the OP, by universal he they may have meant a part that is made for several different models but crosses and applies to your needs.  I would follow Enkei's advice; many places are out there to make a quick buck and it never hurts to double check.  I would have them put it in the air and watch the pitman arm as someone tries to force the tire to turn by hand... should the pitman arm move vertically or horizontally a noticeable amount I would replace it. 

Just to plays devil's advocate, if they took the time to diagnose the pitman arm and not throw in tie rods or ball joints or similar suggestions out there for replacement, that makes me wonder if they are perhaps legit and did find a problem.

Just some thoughts from experience :)