1: Just got bronze idler arm bushings for my 83, now do I have to remove the entire idler arm to install the new bushings, or can i get around that somehow? I don't have a gear puller or anything similar and would rather not buy one just to get the idler arm out.

2: I've been having problems with sloppy steering and my car wandering (thats why i'm swapping the bushings) but now with my car on stands I've found that my drivers side front wheel is ever-so-slightly loose. It barely moves, but it does move. What could this be? and could it have serious effects on my steering?

Thanks as always.

 

You should be able to swap out the bushing by taking the top nut off the arm at the frame and sliding the arm down, out of the bracket. As far as the wheel, it could be bearings, or more like a worn ball joint. If you replace 1 ball joint, replace both of them. At this point, it may not hurt to replace all of the tie rods and adjusting nuts too, then everything is upgraded/new. I've found that new parts will tend to help the other old parts that haven't been replaced wear even more.