Question About Special Tools for Idler Arm Installation

Hi-

First time poster...looks like a good site for info and hope to contribute.

This question has to do with the steering system for an 89 S-15 Pickup (4WD). I have a bad idler arm, and the removal and installation seems pretty straightforward except for the need for a steering linkage installation tool (GM J-29194) to seat the tapers on the stud. This tool doesn't seem to be locally available (unless I have a garage work on it) and it is over $100 from Kent-Moore.

Is this tool really necessary for installation? Is there an alternate way to ensure the stud is seated properly? Do I have to grin and bear it and get the tool or have a shop do it?

Advice is appreciated.

Welcome to the board

I'd be very suprised if any shop used the tool. They would usually just use air tools and the studs just cinch themselves tight.

Without air tools you might need that tool.

Check your local rental yards too, why buy a expensive tool if you don't have to

Simply get a pickle fork to seperate the arm from the rod... During installation, simply crank the nut down as hard as you can and slip the cotter pin into the castle and you're done.

Thanks for the reply guys-

Your response was my initial gut feeling, but steering systems are one repair where I would rather not find out down the road that I should have used the tool. :uhoh:

I've learned quite a bit about S-10s over the years from the school of hard knocks, but I didn't need to mess with the steering components until now.

Thanks again-
:thumbsup: