DocBrown86

I have a few front end issues on my '04 Silverado 1500 that need repaired. I'd like to do as much of it myself as possible! Of the items listed below, does anyone know if any of them require specific automotive tools? I have a decent amount of tools, but I can't afford to go out and by fancy vehicle repair tools.

-Shocks (Front and Rear)
-Lower Ball Joints
-Outer Tie Rods
-Pittman Arm
-Idler Arm

Also, I know the tie rod replacement requires an alignment. Do any of the others? I need to do this in stages and I don't want to have to pay for an alignment more than once.

Thanks for your help. I am not a mechanic but I do love working on my truck myself whenever I can.

tech2

-shocks you can do
-tie rod ends you can do

pitman and idler are intermediate level work but you will need a pitman arm remover to remove the pitman and some experience or special tool to remove the idler from the center link.
if the steering box must be unbolted from the frame to remove the pitman...an alignment will be needed.

-lower ball joints leave for the shop