'91 4Runner bent idler arm

[914Runner]

Well, the '91 4Runner has a bent idler arm. I just found it tonight when I was swapping A/C compressors. Looks like its been bent for a little while.

Question is: What to do now? I'm debating if I just want another stocker or go with the Total Chaos one and never have to worry about it again.

The TC idler arm is $325
A stocker is what, $120?
Alignment is around $90 IIRC

So if I go the TC route, it would be around $410. Factory Toyota route, a little over $210. Do you guys think the extra $200 is worth it?

This is the first arm that bent, the stock one just wore out.

[Marc P]

There should be plenty of good used OEM ones with all the axle swaps going on. PM Funrunner91..he is parting his out.

[Robinhood4x4]

Yeah, get a used one and rebuild it or get one from napa or something. Either way would be much cheaper than from the dealer. Add a idler arm brace from Downey for $50.

[BruceTS]

If your not planning on changing out your front suspension anytime soon, I'd go the TC route and not have to worry about it again. If you have plans to SAS in the future, then get a used stock one.......

[914Runner]

If your not planning on changing out your front suspension anytime soon, I'd go the TC route and not have to worry about it again. If you have plans to SAS in the future, then get a used stock one.......

This rig will never be SAS'd, it's highway driven way too much.

[mastacox]

The choice was simple for me. I was SICK of replacing the little plastic bushings...

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/92%204Runner%20Pics/TCIdlerArm004.jpg

[AxleIke]

Get the Total Chaos Unit.

Idler arm brace is a bandaid.

[DirToyBoy]

This rig will never be SAS'd, it's highway driven way too much.
whats wrong with a highway driven SAS rig? If the SAS is done properly it rides great on the highway

[mastacox]

If the SAS is done properly it rides great on the highway


Compared to what? :P

A daily driven mild-offroad rig does not need to be SAS'ed.

[89trailrunner]

If the SAS is done properly it rides great on the highway


Compared to what? :P

A daily driven mild-offroad rig does not need to be SAS'ed.


X2...

If you wheel it enough to be worried about it, go TC. I'm on my second one now and my next will be TC for sure...

[Cheese]

TC is cheap insurance.

The question is about idlers, let's stay focused.

I would BEND the arms, not just wear out the bushings. There is no rebuilding bent arms.

[anthony1]

I used Downey brace for a while. I never had problem with it.

[Cebby]

I have an OEM Toy one with a Downey brace. It's had a little beating on it, but nothing major - the brace is doing it's job.