hello all!
how hard is it to change the idler arm on a 1997 montero "pajaero"
any special tools i may need?
ive been trying to get a service manual but no luck on finding one.

Welcome!

Other than your basic tools you'll need a 3 - 4 lbs sledge hammer (to hit it and knock it off).

As for a factory service manual (FSM), the 96 manual on Mitsubishilinks.com will probably be close enough for most needs.

HTH.

Thanks! local shop wants about $700. for the idler work.
hopefully i can swap out the shocks/torsion bars and coils to OME at the same time.
allready getting new ball joints and linkage etc... saved up for the job.
hopefully it will take me the weekend.

any advice or tips will help.

My advice is to find another shop, or do it yourself. It's not hard at all. It takes under 30minutes with the right tools (a pickle fork and two hammers and a 14 or 15mm wrench and a pair of pliers to pull the cotter key).

You are about to be had big time, and you can tell 'em I said so.

I've been looking for one, seen them for about $115. Does that sound about right?

between 80 to 115 is about right. i belive to get the moog brand their stuff seems better...

"Idler work?" I replace mine (under a lifetime part warranty) for fun about every year. Like FastEddy said...30 minutes.

Remove cotter pin. Loosen nut. Break loose from the steering link arm. Loosen and remove four nuts (hold bolt heads on other side of frame with a box end wrench) that hold the arm to the truck's frame. Reverse process to install.

Fez, check AutoZone vs. O'Reilly (or whoever the big parts places around you are) online to compare prices. Only consider the lifetime replacement warranty ones. Buy it once, save receipt, remember phone number you gave them when you bought it and they entered into their computer system. Repeat as necessary, but without money. Around $100 or less.

John B.

this may sound stoopid...
there is only 1 idler arm or is there 2? i think i see one on each side.

Not stupid, they are similar. The driver's side one is a Pitman arm. It attaches directly to the bottom of the steering box. The idler arm is on the passenger side and serves as the 'balancing force' that the steering control rod hangs from. From there, both sides have an inner and outer tie rod to connect to the individual front wheels for steering control.

John B.

I've just recently moved to San Antonio where there is a stealership, do they have the same set up with the lifetime warranty?