Took the wifes 2001 Yukon 4X4 in for new tires and an alignment yesterday. Shop put the tires on but said that they couldn't do an alignment because the left inner tie-rod end needed to be replaced. They also said the idler arm was "a little loose". I did a check when I got home and there is play at the left inner T/R. I don't know how it wore out in 80K miles - all hwy and the front end was grease every 3000 miles, but oh well.

My question - Not having much experience with front ends - is this a DIY? Looks to me like the inner T/R end is covered by a boot and is available seperate rather then replacing the whole thing. Is it an easy install and can I just take a rough mesurement between the front and back of the front wheels to get the toe-in close until I take it in for a complete alignment once the T/R is replaced?

How about the idler arm?

Any advice would be appreciated. I'm having trouble getting the parts anywhere but a dealer. They just aren't available. Delaer wants $35 for the T/R end and $195 for the idler arm!!

Thanks!

Rob

I just did mine in my HD took less than an hour. You can do it. dave

Rob....1/2 ton or 3/4 ton yukon?

Scott

Rob....1/2 ton or 3/4 ton yukon?

Scott

1/2 ton 5.3L 4X4 - not the Denali (sp)

Thanks!

Rob

That's what I figured...
Part number 269-3124 for the inner tie rod end (might be cheaper through the dealer)
Part number 268-3714 idler arm (somewhere around the 70 dollar area)

These are napa numbers for what it's worth

That's what I figured...
Part number 269-3124 for the inner tie rod end (might be cheaper through the dealer)
Part number 268-3714 idler arm (somewhere around the 70 dollar area)

These are napa numbers for what it's worth

Thanks - gonna give NAPA a try then. $70 for the idler arm sounds alot better than the $195 dealer price.

After an extensive search this AM:

Inner Tie Rod = $40 Dealer
$49 NAPA
$28 Auto Zone

Idler Arm = $197 Dealer
$47 Auto Zone
$69 NAPA

Sometime it pays to shop around