First off, I still plan to go on the trip and I am confident that the IA will arrive in time, that I will have screamed MOD DAY! COME GET THE BEER!, that everything will be fixed ahead of time, and that this will be chalked up to pre-run drama.
ETA: I'm going to have it checked out somewhere else. There is no wobble in the steering wheel or any shimmy in the steering. The bushings may need to be replaced is all. I had previously upgraded to Bandit4x4's heavy duty bronze bushings, and it may be that they need to be replaced. I just ordered another set because I will probably need them either way.
Bandit4x4 Heavy Duty bushings ------------------
I don't notice any difference when driving at normal speeds. When I saw the idler arm movement when it was on the rack this morning, there was about 1/4 inch play or more and was very noticeable.
If the "road" does get the best of me to where it doesn't feel safe to go freeway speeds, I can always limp home. By then the part should be waiting for me if it doesn't show up beforehand. The shop said the IA won't break, but I suspect they were thinking under normal circumstances.
If it does break, I wonder if it will still be drivable and/or if it will damage something else. If it will still be drivable and won't damage anything else, then no worries. Bring it on! But again, I am as confident as I can be that Calmini will come through for me and will get the part to me before the run.
