I have a 2000 gmc Jimmy . I'm going to change the

Idler arm and or pitman arm most common.could also be excessive play in steering gear box.Tie rods/center link but usually its my first 2 choices go bad bothe of them idler and pitman common wear parts.

here hope this helps for a 98 model but very similair

1998 GMC Truck Jimmy - 4WD ' Blazer, Bravada, Jimmy, S10 Pickup, Sonoma VIN S/T Service Manual ' Steering ' Power Steering System ' Repair Instructions ' Document ID: 416283
Steering Gear Replacement (4WD) Removal Procedure Tools RequiredJ 24319-B Steering Linkage Puller
Notice: Do not rotate steering shaft after steering column has been removed. Damage to SIR components may occur.

1. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls 4.3L.




2. Place a drain pan below the steering gear.
3. Remove the inlet and the outlet hoses from the power steering gear.
Cap or tape the ends of the hoses and the gear fittings in order to prevent dirt from entering the system.




4. Remove the intermediate shaft shield from the steering gear.




5. Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupling bolt.
6. Draw alignment marks on the lower intermediate shaft coupling and the steering shaft.
7. Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupling from the steering shaft.
8. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
9. Remove the steering linkage shield. Refer to Steering Linkage Shield Replacement in Steering Linkage.




10. Remove differential carrier shield mounting bolts.
11. Remove the differential carrier shield.




12. Remove the pitman arm ball stud nut at the relay rod.




13. Disconnect pitman arm from relay rod using J 24319-B .




14. Remove the steering gear mounting bolts and the washers from the frame.
15. Remove the steering gear.
16. Remove the pitman arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement in Steering Linkage.

you will need a pitman arm puller, tie rod separator and a good set sockets(6 point preffered)and some penetrating oil, measure all distances between points before removal,and get the vehicle aligned

Relay Rod Removal & Installation To Remove:

1. Raise and support the vehicle
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Engine protection shield, if equipped
   • Steering damper from the relay rod, if equipped Note: Use the proper tool in order to separate all the tie rods and the ball joints.
     Steering components
     
     
   • Tie rod ends (F) (See: Tie Rod Ends)
   • Idler arm ball stud nut (J) and discard the nut (See: Idler Arm)
   • Pitman arm nut (H) and discard the nut (See: Pitman Arm) Remove the idler arm from the relay rod
     
     
   • Relay rod from the idler arm ball stud using the J24319-B or other suitable puller Remove relay rod from pitman arm ball stud
     
     
   • Relay rod from the pitman arm ball stud using the J24319-B or other suitable puller
   • Relay rod from the vehicle
3. Inspect the threads on the tie rod ends for damage
4. Inspect the ball stud threads for damage
5. Inspect the ball stud seals for excessive damage
6. Clean the threads on the ball studs

To Install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   • Relay rod to the vehicle
   • Relay rod to the pitman arm ball stud
   • Relay rod to the idler arm ball stud and make sure the seal is on the stud
   • New pitman arm prevailing torque nut
   • New idler arm prevailing torque nut and tighten the idler arm and pitman arm nuts; Torque to: 46 ft. lbs. (62 Nm)
   • Tie rod ends
   • Steering dampener to the relay rod, if equipped
   • Engine protection shield, if equipped
2. Lower the vehicle
3. Check the wheel alignment
4. Test drive the vehicle to confirm the repairs

You might want to try your local library. Many libraries have do it yourself books online. The pitman arm is the "bone" type part from just below the steering box to the rods. each end is a ball joint. Just a matter of removing nuts from the pitman arm and prying them off. They may need a little persuasion to come out they they will eventually. Good Luck.

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.

You will need a pittman arm puller and a tie rod puller to remove this item. Some shops such as NAPA & Auto Zone rent these tools

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.

2000 gmc jimmy front cv axle nut (36 mm) torque ratings?

inspect frt end tie rods,idler arm,pitman arm,inner tie rods,steeringbox,control arms upper and lower bushings.1or more of these parts could be worn