1994 GMC Yukon Ball Joints or Arms First Fix

GMC YUKON
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PULSTI
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
My upper and lower ball joints need replaced badly on my 1994 GMC Yukon and the mechanic told me my pitman and my idler arm are both bad. My problem is I can only afford to fix just the joints or just the arms first. I really need to get back on the road so which should I repair and is this not safe to drive until all is fixed? Another question, do I need special tools that only shops have to fix any of this myself? Thank you!!
May 30, 2006 at 7:38 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Driving you vehicle with a bad front end is like driving a car with no brakes. You don't need the components until you are in a bind.

I can say if it was me, I would do the ball joints and a while later do the other items. A pitman arm requires a special puller. The idler arm is a no brainer and you can do it. Good luck.
May 30, 2006 at 11:14 AM
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Suggested Repair

Do not drive with a worn front end. Repair the upper and lower ball joints first, then the pitman and idler arms later. A pitman arm needs a special puller; the idler arm is straightforward to replace.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1994 GMC Yukon needs badly worn upper and lower ball joints plus a bad pitman arm and idler arm, but can afford only one repair first and asks which is safer and whether special tools are required. The expert says a bad front end is unsafe to drive and would replace the ball joints first, noting the pitman arm needs a special puller while the idler arm is easy to do.

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