Ball Joints, Idler Arm etc repair

I just brought my 1996 4x4 blazer back from a shop in Chicago and they said that I needed to have my front suspension done. Including the 2 upper and 2 lower ball joints, 1 idler arm, outer and inner tie rods, adjust the center sleeve and an alignment. They gave me a price of $550.

Now, my question is this, if they do this work should I have 2 idler arms replaced? Or is that not necesary?

Also, I am aware that there is a recall for the upper ball joints for the 96 blazer. Is this the type of repair that I can bring it into the dealer to replace the uppers under the recall and have the rest of the work done by the mechanic to save money?

Any info or suggestions would be a big help.

Thanks

Your truck has only one idler arm, on the right side. The intermediate rod, the "center sleeve" you refer to is held by the idler arm on the right side, the left end of the rod is attached to the pittman arm which transfers motion from the steering gear. The tie rods are attached to the intermediate rod on both ends and in turn are attached to the steering knuckles (hubs/wheels). If you're under recall for the ball joints, definitely have the dealer do it (its free) and the shop can finish the remaining work.

Good luck

I just brought my 1996 4x4 blazer back from a shop in Chicago and they said that I needed to have my front suspension done. Including the 2 upper and 2 lower ball joints, 1 idler arm, outer and inner tie rods, adjust the center sleeve and an alignment. They gave me a price of $550.

Now, my question is this, if they do this work should I have 2 idler arms replaced? Or is that not necesary?

Also, I am aware that there is a recall for the upper ball joints for the 96 blazer. Is this the type of repair that I can bring it into the dealer to replace the uppers under the recall and have the rest of the work done by the mechanic to save money?

Any info or suggestions would be a big help.

Thanks

First off, was the front end poor? Was it knocking etc?