I slept, now spend money on me:-)

[slack]

Yeah. Check it while it's on the ground if possible (or do like nightlight said) so that it's in its normal resting position.

Like others have said, the idler arm is really easy to replace. Shops should be able to do it quick. Also, I wouldn't recommend picking "economy" anything with steering stuff from RockAuto. I've had bad luck with that crap and had to replace it again not 6 months down the road.

[miamibob]

Shit parts = Shit results!! (Throw in a shitty mechanic for the trifecta!!). Find the best parts you can get and someone with more than 2 working brain cells to do the work and you should be all set.

[IPreferDIY]

You can jack the car up by the engine crossmember, put a pair of jackstands under the lower control arms as close to the tires as possible, then drop the car down on the stands - not quite the same as car on the ground sitting on the tires, but darn near close.

Using ramps would be another option. The weight would be on the wheels, and the car sitting at an angle shouldn't make much of a difference. I was able to get two pairs of ramps for $10/pair on Kijiji when I needed them. It helps to have the ramps up against something so they don't go sliding on you. On my landlady's driveway, the paving stones have sunk below the curb trim piece, and that works great.

[Toploader]

Bob I hope you don't think MooG are shit parts???

Shit parts = Shit results!! (Throw in a shitty mechanic for the trifecta!!). Find the best parts you can get and someone with more than 2 working brain cells to do the work and you should be all set.

[miamibob]

Bob I hope you don't think MooG are shit parts???

I was referring to auto parts in general. MOOG parts have a good rep but not sure where they are presently being made.

[johnunit]

Moog seems to still be pretty good, but just to be safe I always go with the top-line that the manufacturer sells.

[Toploader]

Ok so the idler(Moog) went in this morning, LOL.............still made in the good 'ol USA!
Idler, labor, tax.........total $120.00

Opinions as to what I was charged??

One nice thing about the Moog it has two grease fittings........Motorcraft OEM.........no lube provisions:-

BTW, the rubber sleeves were completely shot.

[sly]

seems legit for a shop to do the job. you always get charged for at least one hour of labor plus the part.