Hey guys, used to be a long time meneber of this forum as greenheadkiller98, seems like my account got deleted for inactivity or something, no big deal.

About 4 years ago I moved from a lifted 98 scab XL 2wd to an 02 scab xlt FX4.

anyways the problem I am having is my truck has completely anihilated 4 idler arms in ~60k miles. The last one lasting only about 5k miles. When checking the front end, everything else seems to be in spec, ball joints, tie rods, pitman arm, etc. everything seems tight with the wheels off the ground traditional “front end check”

but the idler arms keep just getting a ton of slop in them in no time? It’s all stock suspension except for a small torsion crank (about 1.5”, I think it’s at about 23 1/2” on the hub to center of fender measurement.) and some 285/70r17 all terrains. (Small jump from the stock 265s) 99.999% street driven. Any insight as to what could be causing these premature failures?

Not sure what the last ones have been, $40-$50 no warranty brands (I was on a really stringent vehicle budget for awhile, hard times.) this last one was $120 and came with a lifetime warranty, has greasable zerks. I always grease it thoroughly before I put them on and grease everything with a zerk on the front end every time I change oil. Usually I can tell when the slop starts because I will get a loud pop when reversing with the wheel cranked. I originally found this by watching the suspension under the truck while somebody turned the wheel. The pop was from the idler arm slack “letting go” all at once with the wheel cranked. Then when I jack up one wheel it has the 3 and 9 o’clock play when rocked back and forth. No slop whatsoever in 3+9 and also 12+6 when I replace the idler. I will get them at no charge with this new warranty if it does wear out quick again, I’m mainly just tired of changing them with my oil, and trying to preserve my tires. It’s pretty much undetectable to me while driving when they are worn, but when I hear the pop then check with the “wiggle test” the slack is obvious. I did hear of an H&M long travel mfg. “problem solver” bullet proof idler for these trucks but they are $400 and I can’t find one anywhere

my first try was actually a Moog. Lasted 10-15k greased on install and every 3k. I was told Moog was Chinese too now but not sure

Yeah I didn’t really have a choice at the time but to cheap out, but now it will be quality parts for sure

Do you guys think Moog or motorcraft is better for chassis parts?