jeff355

Hi guys, Ive got a 95 dodge ram 2500 diesel 2wd. I need the pitman arm and the idler arm for this truck. When I go to the parts house, they say there are 2 of each, something about 4 hole/5hole center link and 16mm, 14mm bolt space for the idler, whats the deal, Im new to dodges and with my old chevys there was none of this nonsense. Tag in the door jamb says 8800gvw. Guys hope you can help a new guy get this old cummins on the road. Thanx for the help in advance. I hope the whole truck isnt like this, I still gotta go over the brakes ! Thanx again.

jeff355

Nobody knows? Cmon guys.

Clarkkent

Pitman arm is on the steering box and should never wear out. don't know why you 'd ever have to change one. the idler arm is on the ps framerail just opposite of the steeering box, these can wear out, haveta look at what's on the truck to make sure you get the right part.
good luck

jeff355

Well Clark, that wasnt quite the response I was looking for. Pitman arms do in fact wear out, (you can tell by excessive play in the joint where it connects to the center link.) As for the idler, it too has imo, too much play where it joins to the opposite side of the center link. The truck will wander and not have a good steering feel to it. Anyway, the question was more about parts identification not a question of where/what parts to replace. Thanx though.

Nomad

jeff, i'm replacing my steering box as we speak. The GVW should be enough for the parts house and 2wd/4wd for them to get you the right parts. If not, try "Geno's Garage" website, they'll know what you need. If its a spline wear issue on the arm, you should probably consider replacing the box also!
Good luck!
Cheers!

jeff355

Thanx Nomad, Ill check that site. As for the splines, the play is on the other side of the pitman arm, at the center link. Splines seem fine. Thanx.

mechrisme

I got a question about the idler arm, is it possible to just replace the arm and not the bracket on the frame because I have seen just that part online, I have a popping noise in my front end when I turn right all the way, Firestone said it was my lower ball joint so I replaced them again but they were some cheapies, it still make that noise but we also noticed the idler arm moves up and down when i replace it, my dad said he saw the upper control arm move but Firestone said it wasnt loose, I'm gonna replace the idler arm then have the alignment done again