Hello all,
So far my progress on the front suspension is going -- slow -- but going nonetheless. Only spending a little bit of time each night on this. Well, I got the ball joints in -- the lowers were a total jerk to get out AND in, but they're in, and the steering knuckles are back in. Now, I'm trying to get the center link and idler arm in, but the idler arm doesn't appear to line up properly with the angle of the center link. The distance fits, but it just seems like the angle of the bolt isn't right. The bolt hole on the idler arm is twisted slightly counterclockwise, when facing the front of the vehicle, but the bold on the center link seems to go straight up. Is this a common issue? Any suggestions?

 

I had the same problem until I realized I had the lower portion of the idler arm turned the wrong way. Try turning the upper part of the arm, the part where there are two holes, 180 degrees. That little bump or jog near the bottom of the two holes should be facing the engine not the frame.

Make sense?

 

That was totally it. Took it apart, the bolds lined up and everything went together perfectly. Thanks! Mine's also a 1998 2wd that just turned over 170k tonight.

 

Glad I could help. I'm just hoping I get another 30,000 out of fine.

 

Well, I just did all new brakes in the front and rear, new master cylinder, radiator, new front steering parts, had the AC completely rebuilt (new compressor, drier, orifice tube, recharge, etc.) Last year did a fuel injection spider, fuel pump... Now once I get the catalytic converter replaced, it should last me another few more years. Good luck to you!