How do you replace the pitman arms on a 99 surburban

Seems like you are doing what you can. Why not disconnect the pitman from the truck and drop the steering box with the pitman arm on it? Although there is a cost for another pitman arm, you risk damaging the steering box components by beating on parts like the pitman arm that connect to the steering box gears and bearings.

If you are missing work and have extra costs, replacing the pitman arm may be a cheaper alternative.

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.

You need a ,large adjustable wrench,a 9/16 wrench, a hammer, and a pitman arm puller. It is a special tool that you may be able to rent but will probably have to buy (about $60). With the latge nut removed you put the puller on the old pitman arm and tighten it. When it is tight hit the center tightening bolt with the hammer and tighten again. Repeat until the arm comes off.
If you try to do it without the puller you will wreck the seal in the bottom of the steering box and it will leak. Replacing the seal will require removing the pitman arm again. hope this helps.

The pitman arm seal can be replaced by removing the pitman arm, prying out the old seal and driving in a new one. However, usually when the seals start to leak it's from a bad bearing or excessive play in the steering box.

You will need the proper tools to remove them which can be rented at auto parts stores. The pitman arm has to pulled off with an pitman arm puller also have to drop steering box I believe to change it. I know we did on my 1996 Tahoe the idler arm can be seperated with a front end fork also available at parts store. You just drive it between the idler arm and tie rod after removing castle nut and cotter pen.

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.

They may have not centered the steering wheel after it was aligned the steering wheel after doing the work. If the clock spring is not centered it can cause it to cause it to come on. to check yourself be sure to put steering wheel straight ahead turn it to the left and count how many turns it goes then center it again and turn it to the right how many turns? if they are equal then they may have left the harness disconnected so it will need to go back to the shop.
If the turns are uneven count it will have to go back to the shop to be centered, this should not cost you anything it is part of the repair.

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

Take the bolts out that attach the steering box to the frame and pivot the box so you can fit the puller on.
Leave the steering shaft and power steering hoses attached.
Mark the new pitman arm and old one in the same place and mark the pitman shaft to keep the same position of the new pit man arm on the old shaft as the old pitman arm.

popped off ??? you mean the bolt broke or the joint came apart... if the arm is broken you need to replace it again.... steering isn't something you want to patch up

Robert