Is it my idler arm?

[SUX2BU99]

I got this nagging problem that seems to have developed since I bought my truck in April of last year. When I bought it, it tracked and drove smooth. But now I got this HARSH wobble in the front end. I say front end because my alignment is now way off (pulls hard to the passenger side) and at lower speeds I feel a wobble which coincides with the way the steering wheel is wobbling back and forth but pulling to the side. When I changed my oil recently I had only the pass side jacked up. I moved the pass rim side to side and saw my idler arm was moving but nothing else was. Would this be the problem? What gets worn out, the bushing at the pivot point where the castle nut is? I also tested movement by grabbing the rim at top and bottom and moving it in/out but it was firm so I guess the ball joints are fine. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Chad

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It sounds like it is the idler arm.  If someone is inside turning the wheel, does it move before the centerlink does?  If it is moving seperate from everything else, then I would say that is part of the problem.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[SUX2BU99]

Thanks for the reply. I took it to a shop yesterday and they did a quick look. Found that the bolt holding the pitman arm to the center link was loose, and the idler arm was moving up and down. They tightened the bolt and said the idler arm stopped moving so much. I was very happy and thought that solved the problem. Drove it home and nope.  It feels better, at least at the steering wheel, but the wobble is still most definitely present.

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I would check to see if there is any slack in either pieces.  There shouldn't be much if any movement there.

Is this a 4x2 or 4x4?

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[SUX2BU99]

4x2. Lowered, but how I'm not sure. Either by coils or spindles I believe. Would a worn tie rod end be doing it? I know something is definitely worn out, but in the steering pieces it's usually the bushings right? Does the direction it pulls indicate what side it would be on? It pulls hard to the passenger side. Something is definitely making one of the front tires shake.

[SUX2BU99]

I found out what it was: a FUBAR tire.  The front drivers tire had a small split in the tread near the outer shoulder. This allowed air to build up under the tread and cause a rather large lump in the tire. The tire shop spotted it right away. I should take a picture of it. It's gotta rise at least 1/2". Thanks for the replies though!