I will be replacing center link, pitman arm, inner/outer tie rods, and ball joints this weekend... I have a 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel 4wd with 8" fabtech lift... Does anybody know what tools will be needed for the job - socket sizes, wrench sizes, etc... I have misc. tools and sockets and impact stuff, but I seem to spend as much money on tools as i do on parts everytime something breaks... Any help and/or tips would be great... Thanks

 

all of that is a simple install. i did the same a few months ago. about the only thing uncommon really is the nut size for the idler arm and pitman arm nut(rather large 7/8th or 15/16th to 1" wrench) i cant really remember off hand. your best bet really is leave the wheels on the ground and leave them turned all the way one way and pull the whole centerlink that way you can get your alignment back as close as possible until you can get a real alignment.

are you adding braces or doing bigger tierods or sleeves by chance?

 

I should have those sizes, i'll check and see... Good tips, thanks!

No added braces and standard replacement tie rods, etc... Just parts exchange, no upgrades yet... got my new wheels coming next week and wanted to have everything stable for them...

 

i would atleast sleeve then rods while u got it apart. just cheap insurance.

 

Well, good and bad news...

Bad news - had to pay to have the pitman and idler arms changed... did not have the tools for the job...

Good news - Tie Rods / ends are super easy with some larger wrenches...

Overall, i'm about 95% of factory status on the steering... I assume the other 5% is in ball joints and steering gearbox...

 

Oxy-Acetylene torches and air hammers make front end work FUN!

At least they do if you've ever been stuck doing front end work with 3 lb sledges and propane torches.

 

I bought a fork wedge, but never attempted to use it... I don't have a back up vehicle, so i was a little nervous...