I have a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe that needs new upper ball joints, pitmen
arm & idler arm due to ware. Our local mechanic wants $550 to do the
job but I'm thinking about taking the project on myself. I have a
full mechanic shop at my disposal (Military DIY shop on post), but am
not sure if I'm getting in over my head. Whether I do the replacement
myself or not, is there anything else I should be thinking about
replacing while under the truck? Where can I find a good resource for
step-by-step instructions on doing the job myself? Is Chilton's worth
getting, or is there a better guide? Last but not least, should I be
taking on this job myself, or is it worth paying the $550 to have the
professionals do it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Steve W. - 26 Sep 2006 00:25 GMT
> I have a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe that needs new upper ball joints, pitmen
> arm & idler arm due to ware. Our local mechanic wants $550 to do the
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> taking on this job myself, or is it worth paying the $550 to have the
> professionals do it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
If that $550.00 includes parts, labor, guarantee, and alignment and he
is using GOOD parts (MOOG) it's not too bad. I would check the lower
joints and the end links if it has a sway bar and take a look at the
shocks as well.
If you plan on keeping the truck I would buy the factory books for it.
Much better than the rest BUT not as cheap.

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Steve W.
brian70 - 07 Oct 2006 20:52 GMT
pitman arm you need a pitman arm puller to remove it and a pickle fork for
the other end, the idler arm you only need a pickle fork, but the ball
joints is a job best left to someone who knows what they are doing so get
some help or have some one do it for you $500 dont sound to far off but
call around car repair is like shopping everyones price is differnt