Replace idler arm/pitman arm

Is this what you need? Pitman arm is number 5 in the picture.

After replacing any of the components you mentioned, you need an alignment done!

Hello: The pitman arm is attached to the output shaft of the steering box on the drivers side, It attaches to the steering linkage. The idler arm is on the passenger side, one end attaches to the frame the other end to the steering linkage.

Well, a lot has to do with what kind of vehicle we are talking about. For future reference, YEAR, MAKE, MODEL and ENGINE SIZE is required information if you want someone to answer questions for your vehicle....
On MOST vehicles it is not required to loosen or remove the gear box to replace a pitman arm. On some vehicles this IS required because there is not enough room to use a pitman arm puller with the gearbox in place. So, basicly. if you can get the puller in there, the answer to your question is NO and if there is not enough room for the puller the answer would be YES.

The idler arm is totally different. Some vehicles have self-locking nuts where the idler arm connects to the center link. Others have "casltle" nuts and cotte pins. The self-locking nuts can be very difficult to remove and ven harder to get back on. The ones with the castle nuts are easier if the cotter pin comes out easy.

As for how long it takes...again, this is vehicle-specific. Most cars take just under an hour each for the idler arm and pitman arm.

Pitman arm requires a pitman arm puller, and a tie rod seperator or "pickle fork". Remove the cotter pin on from the joint on the pitman arm and center link, then remove the nuts from both ends of pitman arm. Use the pitman arm puller to remove the pitman arm from the steering gear, then use the tie rod seperator to remove the end from the center link. Reinstall and retighten nuts, do not leave out the cotter pin.
Idler arm will require tie rod seperator. Remove the cotter pin from the end at the center link, use the tie rod seperator to seperate the joint there. Unbolt the idler arm from the frame, and remove. On reinstalling remember to install a new cotter pin. It would be best to have the front end alignment checked after replacing these parts.

you will have to remove the steering gear box to change the pitman arm. the idler arm is on the other side by the passenger wheel. one nut and two bolts going threw fender take it off.

jack up and support van passenger side first with wheels straight remove wheel unbolt idler arm from center link and using a fork designed for removing front end parts some auto stores let u borrow / loan u fork remove idler arm unbolt (2) from frame replace and bolt in new one replace wheel other side wheels straight jack and remove wheel mark pitman at steer box so u can transfer mark to new pitman unbolt and us fork to remove pitman from center link us pulley to remove pitman transfer marks to new arm align up replace bolt up replace wheel done

You need to get a wheel alignment.

napa online lists two pitman arms for $49, $89 depending upon spline count. As a photo wont give you this info, it may not help...As far as I can see, they list the other components as well but I didn't look at prices. To remove the pitman arm you will need a good pitman arm puller...some of the larger parts houses rent them out. You will not get it off the steering box without one!!
good luck!
(maybe your friend will buy you a beer when you're done!!!)
need any techncal help along the way, I'm here!!

The idler isn't bad, Remove cotter pin going through the nut, take off nut, you need a seperator tool to pull apart the arm from the center link, once that is done, remove the two bolts holding it to the frame, remove arm, installation is just reverse.
The pitman arm is a little more to it. Do the same, remove cotter pin, take off nut, and seperate it from the rod, now there is big nut holding it on to the bottom of the steering box, take that nut off (some are a real pain), you will need a pitman arm puller to get it off. Note the position of the arm, need to put new one in same place, pull it off slow, sometimes seals will come with it, put seals back in same way, if they come out. Put some grease on splined shaft, tap new arm on until you can get nut on, tighten up with nut. Hopefully you have any problems. Good luck.