so i just replaced my 4 moog idler arm and i have been looking around and it seems there is no upgrade available witch is odd because it seems like a common problem for these trucks. i saw a rack and pinion kit for the 2wd trucks and im thinking thats the way to go because there is no way i can afford a solid axel. my question is has anyone ever done this to a 4x4? i search and didnt find anything.

 

bump

 

the rack and pinion kit you've seen was designed for weight reduction, not increased strength. IFS and tires larger than 35'' is going to break parts continuously. either deal with it, do a SAS, or downsize the tires to a 35'' size.

 

the tires i have are only 33'' my supension is stock with the t bars cranked, stock keys

 

why are you going through idler arms so quickly? are you buying quality moog or oem replacements?

 

They are just a high wear component. When you add taller/wider wheels and wider wheels, it just increases the wear more. I'm on my third one. The first two were Motorcraft and I'm not sure about the current one. I read a post by someone that took one apart and found the internal bushings were plastic!

 

all the parts are moog, i chanded my tierods and my idler and pitman at the same time all moog ecept for one tierod witch is a spicer. the idler arm i then replace 3 more times. the one before last only lasted two weeks. i was looking under there and i think the rack from an 04- up f150 can fit. i have a welder and im pretty good at fabricating, do you guys think a rack from the newer year would be stronger than what i have? it looks like besides the bracketry and lines i would also have to extend it or custom make one.

 

i believe the rack and pinion steering off of the the 04+ F-150 is stronger than the idler arm setup of the 97-03 F-150. how much work it would take to make it function, i do not know.