I've got a 98 4x4, and I got my wheels balanced and rotated earlier this week, and was told that the wear on my tire (heavy inside wear on one front tire) was caused by a bad pitman and idler arm. I replaced the tire. I need to pick up a boat this weekend and I'm not 100% certain that I can get those parts changed by tomorrow. I don't hear any noise coming from the front end, but the steering is a little loose and the ride gets rough/bumpy above 65 mph.
Just wondering if its ok to drive 150 miles, pick up a boat, and tow it back (2500 lbs), or if there's a chance that something's going to break and cause a catastrophe. Anyone had a pitman arm or idler arm break on one of these? I've heard of it happening on pickups, but couldn't find any instances of it happening on a light SUV like a Blazer. I'm running 235/75/r16s with a 2" body lift.
Recommendations?

 

if ur idler arm and pitman arm are factory u should be a little safe just be careful driving. its not very likley it will break at all as they are a durable part but they will be worn out. when u add a trailer the front will lift up and not putting much strain on the idler arm and pitman arm. if u have a grease gun squirt some in for the trip and get the parts changed as soon as u can

 

I dont think either can actually fall off / apart

Take the time and change them first instead of wearing another tire bad
The idler arm is really easy , the pitman arm is a little tougher and you need a pitman arm puller

 

holy hell rex u just join the forum and ur more posts then me

 

You have spent more time building LOL
You dont want to know how many post on 2 different motorcycle forums

Now you made me go look , one is 6200 and another is 1300
No wonder I am so busy LOL

 

less time talking and more time building haha. theres a event april 28 called gopher dunes mudfest in concord ontario if ur interested

 

ive seen just about everything break on a vehicle. ball joints and tie rods coming apart i see all the time but have yet to see a pitman or idler fall apart, im sure its possible but if it was insanely bad you wouldnt be able to control your vehicle the steering wheel would have like 6 inches of play or more