I have an issue with my rwd 98 blazer. I have it in the repair shop for suspension work and the mechanic said that the idler arm did not fit because it seemed to be too long so he tried another part from O'Reilly and still did not fit either. He also tried Napa and then a local chevy dealership. They told him the original part has been discontinued. Does anyone know where I can get this idler arm or what other vehicles interchanges with my 98 blazer?

 

After years of buying second rate parts from second rate Auto Parts houses as you've mentioned, I started using only Delco or GM.

Go to GM. Sometimes old parts are still available and prices can be good on old stock. They'll usually help you at least identify the correct OE part number. Also search thru Google, some sites sell surplus originals. Theres a site in Indiana that had great prices on NOS OEM parts.