Chevy & GMC Vans

I'm tired of that loose, unsafe steering, so I just bought both idler arms, a new drag link, and both tie rod ends. I think I may get new ball joints as well. Anything else I've missed? I just wanna replace everything that turns... It's completely worn out. I'll probably get it as close as I can, then drive it up to get it aligned professionally. I don't want the steering wheel to be off center when I'm done.

How do I keep it straight, and what parts am I missing for the replacement?

go to the alignment shop first. they'll get whatever you need.

Check your control arm bushings.

timelessbeing wrote:go to the alignment shop first. they'll get whatever you need.

And they'll also charge more money for the parts. He is better off buying parts and installing them himself.

LiftedAWDAstro wrote:And they'll also charge more money for the parts.

Mine didn't. But if money is an issue, then why use the shotgun method? Jake is going to waste all his time and money on new parts and tools, only to find out the slop was in the steering box for example. Always diagnose first. I sure wouldn't wanna throw money at a 20 yr old vehicle that I didn't have to.

Hi Jake,
I did the same thing, installed all new parts and then got a professional alignment, saved me a bundle over paying the garage's markup on parts and installation. Still cost me hundreds though. In fact I ordered these same bits for my other van, yesterday.

My ball joints were still very good, but as for steering parts, I was over 350000 KMs, so, I thought it best to just start with all new parts rather than decide which were worn out more, so I bought:
4 tie rod ends (not just 2), and the 2 adjuster sleeves that connect them into 2 sets.
1 Drag Link (or center link or steering link depending on who's terminology.)
2 moog premium Idler arms.
All the sway bar bushings.
2 New end links w/bushings for the sway bar.
Tools: I borrowed a pickle fork to seperate them.

I made sure my steering wheel was turned to Center and locked before starting, and then I also checked the position of the pitman arm from the steering box was in the centre before I started disassembly. When I installed stuff, I was carefull to set both sets of tie rod ends to the exact same length. My guestimate was very close and the alignment shop hardly moved anything.

If you want to see if your ball joints are hosed, jack up a tire just off the ground, and also try the same test with weight on wheels.
with his hands at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, have a freind try to wiggle the tire while you look at the top & bottom BJs on that side. Also, do the 6/12 o'clock wiggle with the wheels turned a few different ways. If you see slop or play in them, you should probably change them before the alignment.

Do the other side same way.

timelessbeing wrote:...only to find out the slop was in the steering box for example.

I've been under there countless times, having people turn the wheel. Everything is loose, and when the wheel is turned, the whole linkage flops up and down about 4". I'm sure it's not in the steering box. Plus, all the grease cups are dry rotted and won't even hold grease at all anymore.

doyoulikeithere wrote:4 tie rod ends (not just 2)...

Gotta order some more... Glad you told me before everything else got here! I would've been upset to open all my parts and have it turn out that I'm missing two!

doyoulikeithere wrote:I made sure my steering wheel was turned to Center and locked before starting, and then I also checked the position of the pitman arm from the steering box was in the centre before I started disassembly.

I hadn't even thought of that! This here is why I ask for help- all the good tips that I haven't learned yet.

Thanks to everyone so far!

Expect pics and status reports when the parts get in.

Hi Jake.
When you look under there again, notice the adjuster sleeve part that holds the two tie rod ends together. That part is pretty cheap and well worth the money. So are the sway bar links.
Be thoughtful though when you re-assemble the tie rod ends and adjuster sleeves though, because if your van sits kinda low, the adjuster sleeve bolts can bump into stuff as you steer, if its oriented wrong. You will see what I meen when you take another look under there.
So, are your ball joints hosed too? They are not as simple to change out.
Oh, And I meant to say re-assembly, not dissassembly up above regarding the pitman arm.