bondog2000

i have a '01 z-71 with 6" inch lift and 35's...i bought a life-time warranty on wheel balance and tire alignment from brake check about a year ago....well it was time for balancing and alignment, but when i went to brake check to get my "free" balancing and alignment not only did they want to charge me $600 for a new center link and new idler arm, but they said that they could not do the alignment without replacing the center link and idler arm.....is this right????? what should i do?!?!?!?!

amac209

if theres too much slop in the steering system it can't be alligned. they shouldn't need to replace the centerlink GM now has inner tierods available.

bondog2000

so i probably dont need the center link replaced....but you say something about a tie rod, i looked it up and yes GM does have this for mine, but what does this do? i dont know much about this part of my truck, trying to learn, thankful for all the help i can get

desertmike1

It's your lift causing the problem, I had a 90 with a 4in lift. I had to buy a HD idler, and a pitman arm.

When you raise the truck you change the tie rod angles, and this puts very high forces on the Idler, Pittman arm, and the center link. Consider Heavy Duty after market (if) available parts.
I used Napa, and what a differance.

-Mike

bondog2000

thanks for the help, i am going to my buddy who owns the place where i got my lift put on and getting a second opinion on what parts need replacing right now, and if i can get them HD. I hope not too much needs replacing, i cant afford all those things being replaced.

Bill

bondog2000

i went to midas for the second opinion, he said that i have a little play on the passenger side, but my center link and idler arm were both fine...he said to replace the inner tie rod on the passenger side and i would be fine....i checked to see if anyone makes a heavy duty inner tie rod for GM, but no luck, so i am going to order a MOOG part and have midas install it whenever it comes in, thanks for the help once again

-bill