If you've got a '99 to '06 Chevy or GMC 2500 or 3500 truck, you likely have a few miles on it by now-and it's even more likely that you've blown through some steering components. Regardless of whether the truck is stock or modified, many owners of this era truck have found that the tie rods are easily bent or broken, and the stock idler arm assemblies have a rather short life span.
Luckily, the aftermarket has come to the rescue of these Chevy and GMC owners and there are solutions.
We followed the install of a SuperSteer idler arm support assembly and Blitzkrieg Chevy tie rods on an '01 Chevy 2500HD truck with close to 200,000 miles on it. It had lived the majority of its life with a lift kit, and the owner had already replaced the factory tie rods once. When we got the truck up in the air and took a look at the stock idler arm assembly, it was absolutely annihilated and a real danger to the truck.
With the new Blitzkrieg tie rods and SuperSteer idler arm assembly, this truck's steering was upgraded to better-than-factory-new condition.
Here is the new SuperSteer...
Here is the new SuperSteer idler arm support assembly (SS175) next to the stock unit. The new SuperSteer unit is obviously much more robust, using roller bearings and a steel shaft that spans the length of the assembly's housing. The stock version we pulled off the truck was completely worn out.
The factory idler arm fits...
The factory idler arm fits onto the new SuperSteer assembly without any modification. If your idler arm is worn even in the slightest, now is a good time to replace it. The one pulled off this truck was still fairly tight.
When tightening the idler...
When tightening the idler arm on the assembly, make sure to tighten the nut 100 to 125 ft-lb.
The SuperSteer idler arm assembly...
The SuperSteer idler arm assembly bolts on the frame the same as the stock unit does. You'll have to get the idler arm on before you bolt the entire assembly in. SuperSteer includes new 9/16-inch Grade 8 bolts and locknuts to secure the unit to the frame.
Not only does the new SuperSteer...
Not only does the new SuperSteer idler arm support assembly last much longer than the factory unit, it also tightens up the steering, making the truck more pleasurable and safer to drive.
Take one look at the factory...
Take one look at the factory Chevy tie rod and the Blitzkrieg 1.5-inch 4130 tubing tie rod, and you can see why the latter should be put on every Chevy out there. We practically consider it a miracle if a lifted Chevy goes off-roading and doesn't break stock tie rods.
Blitzkrieg includes machined...
Blitzkrieg includes machined inner clevises with adapter bolts that tie them to the factory Chevy centerlink. There is no need to do any drilling or reaming.
Blitzkrieg also includes a...
Blitzkrieg also includes a heat-treated 4140 spindle adapter pin that is specially tapered and bolts directly to your stock spindle. A 7/8-inch rod end is used at the spindle.
A 3/4-inch rod end is used...
A 3/4-inch rod end is used to attach the tie rods to the clevises.
The new Blitzkrieg tie rods...
The new Blitzkrieg tie rods will do a much better job of holding the truck's 37-inch tires steady. Not only that, but the owner will no longer have to live in fear every time his truck hits the dirt. The Blitzkrieg tie rods are also completely rebuildable.