Went to get a alignment the other day and was unsuccessful due to the fact that my tire would move back and forth while on jacks.
Mechanic informed me that it was my pittman and idler arm. Would like some advices as i am about to try to do the work myself. any help would be appreciated

 

when you mean your tire moves, which way does it move? if you grab it at 9 and 3 and wiggle it side to side that's your tie rod i do believe and if you go from 12 to 6 and wiggle thats your hub...to check you're idler and pitman arms you have to have someone wiggle the steerin wheel while you look for play in the 2 arms..not by the tires movin

 

The pitman arm is wedged on and is difficult to remove without a puller. These can be rented at some parts stores.

 

Were you present when said inspection was done?

You should do a search on checking your front end and do it for yourself to determine the repairs needed if any.

As stated by country_09, wiggle in the wheel is not an indication of pittman arm/idler arm wear, also pittman arms normally do not wear out as would the the tie rod ends or ball joints etc. and even so would result in slop in the steering.

Sounds like you were being set up for a rip-off or at the least about to let someone ignorant to the operation of the steering system work on your truck.

You never mentioned the year of your truck.