I was inspecting my front end and found that my Idler and pittman arms were worn and needed replacing. I think I can do this myself with my friend help.Has anyone done this before? Is it that tricky to get done? My truck is a 1994 GMC 2wd 350 5.7.

 

Easily done at home. You will need jack stands. Basic hand tools. Make sure you get quality parts with grease fittings. Just replaced those on my 96 and it took me about an hour start to finish.

 

I would suggest that you have your front end alignment checked, after you install the new parts.

Good luck.

 

I had idler done on 2000 Silverado. It's about 25 minute job, quite confined if done on the ground.

I did not dare to do Pitman, as steering needs to be secured and PS lines disconnected. Instead, I installed steering shock. Had to replace driver side hub bearing some time later, but ever since - 50 or so thousnad miles later - it's still OK.

 

so, what's involved to remove the steering box, more specically,,how to seperate the shaft /colomn from the box?

I'removed the lines, seperated pitman from center-link, and see 3 bolts from box to frame...i have to replace pitman arm..97 2500 silverado.
I have a puller set for the arm from the box...hope I don't need to buy another... Thanks

 

You do not need to remove the steering box. No lines need to be disconnected either. There is a tool that is used to separate the Pitman arm from the steering box. You can do the loaner program at an Auto Zone, or buy one. (pretty cheap, but if you are not going to be doing this often, I say do the loaner). You wil need a tie rod separator, (same deal, do the loaner). Remove the cotter pin and castellated nut, separate the steering link from the Pitman with the tie rod separator and a hammer, then remove the Pitman arm from the steering box with the pitman arm tool. Reinstall without a tool other than the appropriate sized socket. The idler arm is removed from the steering link same as the pitman, then unbolts from the frame. Be sure to either grease them, or have it done when you have the alignment checked...

 

thanks mytmouz, I had alredy removed the lines, did everything you said, and things went pretty breezy, borrowed the pitman arm puller from a friend, struggled a little fitting that into position, found leaving the steeringwheel in straight ahead position helped, also after removing the steeringbox to frame bolts..lifted the steering column from under the hood with a small rachet-strap gave just enough more room to install the big cumbersome pitman arm tool into place...seemed I was fighting for space with the center-link still in place...didn't remove it for fear of tearing tie-rod end boots...didn't loose too much/skin and bloodThanks again.