Hey everyone my 03 is up to about 210k and I've decided it's time to replace the steering components and struts. I've attached pictures of what it looks like currently up front.

Parts I have ordered are idler arm, centerlink, all tie rod ends, tie rod couplers, sway bar end links, upper ball joints, lower ball joints and new struts up front. Is there anything else you guys recommend replacing up front while there doing this?

I also have torque specs that I have found online for everything but not sure how accurate it is if someone could double check my numbers below that would be awesome! Also I'm new here but look forward to being a part of the group!

Idler arm to frame - 79 ft/lbs Idler arm to centerlink - 24 ft/lbsPittman arm to centerlink - 37 ft/lbsInner/outer Tie rod endlinks - 35 ft/lbsTie rod adjusting sleeve screws - 15 ft/lbsLower ball joint bolts - 22 ft/lbsLower ball joint castle nut - 79 ft/lbsUpper ball joint bolts - 22 ft/lbsUpper ball joint castle nut - 61 ft/lbsSway bar end links - 13 ft/lbsStrut mount bolt - 16 ft/lbsControl arm bolts Upper/Lower- 85 ft/lbs

 

I don't have a 2wd Blazer so my advice is more general.

Since you are going through all this trouble, I'd suggest that consider returning some of those parts and instead get fully assembled upper and lower control arms. These will be easier to install and come with new bushings.

A few components you did not mention to consider getting are shock absorbers, sway bar bushings, and the steering arm. Of these I'd strongly suggest a new steering arm since it can wear out much like the idler arm and it will be easier to replace with all the other parts. The shocks and sway bar bushings can be done later on their own or as needed.

Hope this helps.

 

Thank you for the suggestions! I was definetly going to check the control arm bushing upon disassembly. I did order new shocks for upfront as well to replace. Which part is the steering arm? Do you mean the Pittman arm? I am going to order the sway bar bushings as well to do while I've got it off.

 

You are very welcome.

And yes, the pitman arm is to what I was referring. Dang brain fart! LOL

 

I ordered the sway bar bushings and had to order the tie rod adjuster sleeves as they didn't come with the kit I bought. Planning on tearing into it this coming up weekend.

 

Got the centerlink, inner/outer Tie rods, sway bar end links, sway bar bushings, shocks, idler arm and upper ball joints done. The lower ball joints are pressed in place and I didn't have a c clamp press tool and I was already 7 hours in so they will stay until I get my new rotors in and have a day to piddle with it.

Pittman arm was so tight on the steering box that I decided to leave it alone as I didn't want to break anything. It doesn't have any play though so it seems fine.

One question I have is in regards to the control arms. Since it's 2wd I have coils up front and in order to remove control arms to replace bushings or complete arm I have to get the springs out. I'm honestly nervous about trying to remove them. Am I over thinking it or is it as dangerous as it seems? Any advice on easiest way to remove them?