Hi guys,

I don't think I got a definitive answer on this the first time I asked, so I am trying again...

I have a 1990 k1500 with a 4" trailmaster lift, and a completely worn out pitman arm. I don't know anything about them, but have been told it is a complete goner. I don't know if the existing one is OEM, or dropped.

Here is my question:

I have heard conflicting opinions. Some say regardless of what it is, it can be replaced with stock, if lift is only 4".

Others have said the same thing, but have advised to go with an aftermared dropped model, because even though an OEM can be used, it wears faster than the dropped unit.

Yet others have stated that OEM will not fit on a 4" lifted unit, and a dropped MUST be used.

Can anyone clarify this for me?

Thanks,

Scott

The reason for the question is the dropped unit is 50% more to purchase and have installed. So the question is fiscally based.

I don't take the truck off road anymore, so heavy duty durability isn't a factor, I only drive it a mile back and forth to work each day.


Thanks,

Scott

you can't use a longer arm - your truck is IFS...right? the pitman and idler arm connect to the centerlink. if one is longer than the other, the pieces don't fit together.

buy a stock arm

Shorts,

The truck is IFS, is it safe to assume that the Trailmaster lift did not do anything to the centerlink, or any of the other components? (can you tell I don't know anything about suspension lifts)

If not, then I will definitely go with stock. I think I can get that installed at any muffler joint.

Thanks,

Scott

the lift kits come with a dropped centerlink to correct all steering geometry. get the stock pitman arm. if the centerlink wasn't replaced, then you had been steering your truck through pure miracle and constant acts of God [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] i'm basing all this info off my 6" kit; i'm assuming the 4" is the same.

look under the truck, find the pitman arm and the idler arm. the steering link is the bracket that connect the two. on the bottom corners of the bracket connect to the tie rods. the stock center link is a one piece rod with 4 holes in it. this rod should be somewhat straight, with a two slight bends. a replacement centerlink has a..hmm, can't explain it very well...uhm, got your bar at the top, then it extends about 4" downward to the next bar...aww heck, i can draw it, i can't explain it! [img]images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

Shorts,

So thats why the pitman arm would still be stock in there. Thanks, I appreciate it.

Scott

yes, that is why you'd still have the stock pitman arm. if you can, and i'm prety sure they make 'em', find a MOOG pitman arm. those are pretty much the best replacemenr parts you can buy. the warranty is lifetime to believe.

Don't mean to harp on you or anything but 2 things.
A mile to work is nothing, I would walk or ride a bike for that little bit of exercise. Plus it is better for the environment.
Second: a muffler shop for steering work? (Shorts plug your ears or better yet close your eyes) You don't send a woman to do a mans job. I can understand if you don't really know how to do the repair or don't have the tools, space, or time but look into a good shop. I know my closest muffler shop is highly incompitant and I am suprised they know how to weld. Maybe one of the Midas or bigger shops that do everything maybe able to help. Perhaps a good shop will be able to tell you and show you the proper arm and why. The repair is kind of like changing the batteries in your remote. Only it requires tools and some grunt and you have to crawl under the truck and get dirty. Sorry for ragging and also not getting good answers to you the first time. Good luck.
Michael

I checked carparts.com for the moog part #'s and then went to summit racing and checked their availibilty (lol spelling?). Napa wanted like $100+ for a idler arm for my 1991 k1500 and the moog one from summing is $64 I think. Figuring you order some other goodies (mise well) and there ya go.

I was told that both commonly go out. Idler and pitmans, but my idler arm was just pad. I dunno about changing pitman arms but idler arms are way easy. Tedious but easy.

Check them out for the part #'s and then check out summit racing for the ordering of the parts.

Chris