[JPettini]

If I'm a novice, would I or should I be able to replace the center link and idler arm myself? Need a special tool to get them apart? Or should I leave this to an expert?

[performerrpm]

just some hand tools to take the idler arm loose from the frame, leave it attached to the center link since your replacing it too, you will need a tie rod or ball joint fork to seperate the inner tie rods from the center link and the center link from the pitman arm.
your alignment should stay pretty close but if you have worn parts its probaly out anyway so you would need to take it for an alignment, but the rest you can do pretty easy

[1978 T/A]

This may be a bit crude, but you can always use a mini-sledge as a substitute for a tie rod/ball joint fork.

It is really not difficult though.

[codyyy]

Idler arm just unbolts, use either a dead-blow or brass or mini-sledge like what was mentioned if you don't have a fork. Take the castle nut off, flip it over and partially tighten it onto the tie rod end to further prevent it from messing up the threads.

[JPettini]

Thanks fellas. Got it done. Just don't try to do this job without a splitter. After an hour of messing with it, ran into AutoZone got a splitter and took 3 minutes to seperate them. Job done. Now to allignment.

[dhcarguy]

I need to do this also. Should the front of car be off the ground or sitting at ride height?

Thanks

[Goatracer1]

It doesn't have to be off the ground but I wouldn't be able to fit under if it wasn't.

[dhcarguy]

Originally Posted by Goatracer1

It doesn't have to be off the ground but I wouldn't
be able to fit under if it wasn't.

LOL
So drive up my 6" ramps would be ok?