It is time to refurbish part of the steering system. The centerlink and the idler arm both need tending to.

I am planning on going with a grassroots/hoohaa centerlink. But I am not sure about the idler arm. One choice is to replace the OEM with the Duralast discussed in this thread: viewtopic.php?f=39&t=5562 The other choice is to replace the existing idler arm bushings with new ones from Bandit 4x4.

Which do you think would be the better route to go, and why?

Thanks.

k_enn

id go with hooha but first talk to svendog mayb he could get in touch with spenser for(Slr is great set up and no drilling required)....

I am going with the grassroots/hoohaa centerlink. The question is what way to go with the idler arm - new bushings in OEM or the Duralast design. Drilling either one out is not a problem. I am wondering if the balljoint on the Duralast is counterproductive to the rigidity of the centerlink design.

I’m sorry Ken but are you lifted? Are you changing out your original OEM bushings? Do you have an IA brace?

Just a PML.

I do have an idler arm brace.

If I go the bushing route, I would get bushings from Dave for the OEM idler arm. I am assuming that bandit 4x4 bushing are better than OEM.

I do have the front locker, which does put a good bit of stress on the steering at times. That is why I am planning on the grassroots/hoohaa instead of OEM centerlink.

But you’ve never changed those bushings before? How many miles on your truck?

approximately 120K miles with the original bushings. No question they are shot. But what is the better solution from here on out? Both are approximately the same cost.

My feeling is that given the history of your truck I don't know if I would go with anything "aftermarket". Your OEM stuff lasted 120k why not replace it with the same except for the bushings?

Wow! That is amazing! I would stick with what has worked.

Good points, guys.

I drive mine mostly street (actually street only). I have the HooHaa and like Anthony once said it is VERY different than an OEM Centerlink. I wouldn’t compare it to the Calmini/SLR (there was actually a third but the name eludes me) in the fact that those systems are turn-key (CenterLink, Beefed out IA and sometimes Pitman arm.) Those guys running that HW without a doubt need/require the Bandit Bushings.

While at Dave's one weekend we threw on a new Beck-Arnly IA and noticed that Daves bushings were too big for it. Small IA! I threw it on anyway and ran with that with a HooHaa for two years (road and light wheeling). Performed fine. Recently I bought a DuraLast and mounted to my HooHaa.

Little side note on HooHaa. Ran for 73K miles. All highway on a lifted truck. No issues with link. Issues with mounting HW. I think that longer 5/8 bolts are needed. I am on my third set of bolts. I recently switched to 3 1/2 vice 2 1/2 inch bolts to get a longer shank (part between head and thread). I noticed that the threaded portion that goes through the IA and Pitman Arm was wearing out thus causing "slop" in my steering. Longer shanks prevent this!

Bottom line: Bandit Bushings are proven and on many trucks. Im not saying this because Dave is a friend I am merely stating fact. The Duralast is warranted for life but concerns me because now there is no IA Brace (acts like a miniature skid plate) and the IA seems to hang out there begging for a rock. If I go wheeling again I will certainly pack the old Beck-Arnly and IA Brace just in case the Duralast gets clipped.