Changing pitman and idler arm... should I let a shop do it or DIY?

[MississippiSierra]

I recently bought this 02 Sierra 1500 and and there is slack in the steering. I'm thinking the arms need to be replaced. Question is is this a do it yourself project or should I let a shop handle it? Also is the pitman arm 3 or 4 splined or how do I tell besides taking it off?.\

[8.1HD/ALLISON]

If you have the tools and know how, do it yourself. If not take it somewhere. Needs an alignment after work is done anyhow.

 

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[00Silverado4x4]

If you have any mechanical inclination you can do it. I did mine a few years back and the only difficult part was taking the the pitman arm off the steering gear, didn't have the right socket. So I took the whole steering gear to local auto parts store and they helped me get the old one off and the new one on. Tip: Take off the front tire for extra clearance, it'll make getting the arms out of the relay rod a lot easier. Also the steering geer is deceivingly heavy so be ready for the weight once you pop the mount bolts out. Unfortunately I haven't found any way to tell if you have the 3 groove or 4 until you pull it. Mine was 4 personally. Finally as 8.1HD said, make sure you get an alignment once done.

[gmtech4]

have the front end checked by a tech before any thought of doing anything

 

pitman/idler have to be shot real bad to leave slop in steering so this is all academic and merely a convo lol

[chupe442]

_{Loaded question... If you have to ask, then take it in and have it done by the guys with the right tools and knowledge. If you have someone available with the right tools and knowledge, its not rocket surgery to do yourself. You will need to get it to a shop for an alignment afterward either way.. For the couple of hours of labor and the headache involved, its worth the shop to do it. You will need a 3/4in impact to seat the pitman and the clearance to get it in there is a real treat as well. Good luck!}

[MississippiSierra]

Thanks fellas

[trapperman83]

I broke 2 pitman are pullers on mine but it wasn't my first rodeo with chevy pitman arms, bet you have some sloppy tie rod ends. Go to harbor freight and buy a metric 3/4 drive set.

[MississippiSierra]

We'll get it looked at. The truck only has 144k on it

 

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[MississippiSierra]

Took it in and had it looked at. The shop said the slack was in the gear box and said it could be fixed but wasn't a major to do as long as I'm ok with it

 

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[gmtech4]

get a second opinion

[absinthminded]

Just did mine. it turned out to be a super pain in the ding ding. That being said I'd totally do it all over again!