H2 idler and pitman arms replacement

[GasGuzzler]

Finally got my Idler and Pitman arms replaced and the cognito brackets installed. Here's what I paid (approximate prices including tax):

$140 Idler and Pitman arms from Pepboys
$240 Cognito kit from Nor-Cal Trucks in Livermore, CA
$170 Installation by a neighborhood mechanic
------
$550 sub total

$100 alignment
------
$650 Grand Total

I think I did OK considering the H2 dealership wants $800 for the job minus the Cognito kit. My steering now feels precise and quiet -- NIIICE.

[ROX]

Mine is better too. I hope it stays that way. I'll give it a good workout when I leave for Arizona in a couple of weeks.

[Tah2oe]

Dude, where in Pleasanton did you have the work done. I need to have the same thing done before Moab. Let me know if you don't mind.

[dochummer]

I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to wait until the stock pitman/idler wear out before I get the cognito and new arms, or just throw the cognito on....
I've got 54k miles on it, and so far they seem to be ok...

[GasGuzzler]

My mechanic is in Milpitas, CA. His shop is called Fil-AM. Owner and head mechanic is Clifford. I have been using him for the last 15 years for different things. He is pretty good. I think his address is 135 Minnis Circle.

Best, John

[lasvegash2]

what are indications that these parts are going bad. i have the fabtech lift and tie rod ends along with 38.5" tires. i have about 15k miles on them right now.

[GasGuzzler]

Originally Posted by lasvegash2

what are indications that these parts are going bad. i have the fabtech lift and tie rod ends along with 38.5" tires. i have about 15k miles on them right now.

When your wheels are off the ground, grab a front wheel with both hands. Try to rock that wheel left and right and see if there is a bit of play. If this play is excessive, thats when the steering gets sloppy and your alignment will suffer thus your tires will wear out prematurely.

Try the Cognito site for more info:
http://cognitomotorsports.com/store/page18.html

I have the Cognito brackets and they are nice.

Best, GasGuzzler.

[GasGuzzler]

1. If you have (it is being called different terms on this forum) --

a. Sloppy steering or
b. Steering wanders or
c. Steering drfts

2. With the front wheel(s) off the ground, grab a wheel using both hands by the west and east sides. Rock your wheel and get a feel on how much play it has. I forget what the dealers mechanic said, but I think the free play should be less than 0.5 inch from end to end.

3. Abnormal tire wear and an alignment cannot help.

This is NOT a H2 only problem. This apprently is a GM truck steering problem. See the below Google search:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...oogle+ Search

Originally Posted by lasvegash2

what are indications that these parts are going bad. i have the fabtech lift and tie rod ends along with 38.5" tires. i have about 15k miles on them right now.

[dochummer]

Originally Posted by GasGuzzler

Finally got my Idler and Pitman arms replaced and the cognito brackets installed. Here's what I paid (approximate prices including tax):

$140 Idler and Pitman arms from Pepboys
$240 Cognito kit from Nor-Cal Trucks in Livermore, CA
$170 Installation by a neighborhood mechanic
------
$550 sub total

$100 alignment
------
$650 Grand Total

I think I did OK considering the H2 dealership wants $800 for the job minus the Cognito kit. My steering now feels precise and quiet -- NIIICE.

That's a great price on the Pitman/Idler arms. Did they price match or was that what they were selling at? I just found them online at rockauto.com for $144.81 shipped (Moog K6535/K6654). Perfection tire quoted me $324 just for the parts...

[GasGuzzler]

Pepboys did not match price for my purchase. I forget which is which but one was about 50 and change + tax and the other was about 80 +tax. They both were made by McQuay-Norris.

www.partsamerica.com sells them for a little more $160 for both shipped. They also sell MOOG for about $200 for both. Notice the McQuay-Norris has the lifetime warranty and MOOG has only a 1-yr warranty.

ebaY also sells them cheap. Check out Item numbers: 220089269262; 110094374104;

For a $23 idler arm, try item 230092917692 - WOW!

Best, GasGuzzler.

[Xotik H3]

I suppose better late than never?

[GasGuzzler]

Hey Doc,

Nope, they are not matched. These are prices from their computer database. Also, you may want to check ebaY. They have the MOOG units from even less. --THX, Guzzler

Originally Posted by dochummer

That's a great price on the Pitman/Idler arms. Did they price match or was that what they were selling at? I just found them online at rockauto.com for $144.81 shipped (Moog K6535/K6654). Perfection tire quoted me $324 just for the parts...