On a front end rebuild, do you typically replace the idler arm, pitman arm, tie rod dust boots and ball joint dust boots? I'm ordering all my components and these are the ones I wonder if they need replacing. Thanks.

not sure what you are asking. Typically the boots come with the new parts to be replaced.

Though you don't always have to replace the pitman or idler arm.

I've never really worked much on front end stuff before, but I see the dust boots are available seperately, this is why I ask. If the new parts come with them, then I won't have to worry about it.

ah..
Those are typically because the boots wear out, get torn or are torn up by pickle forks long before the part itself wears out.

Gotcha, thanks!

Yeah the factory boots for the most part suck big time. I like the aftermarket polys but don't have any on my cars yet.

You will be hard pressed to find anything better than Moog heavy duty or "problem solver" front end parts. Poly does have it's place, typically I use poly for the UCA and the anti-roll bar end links and bushings. Poly can be used on the LCA, but when using them on the lowers make sure you drive the "T" bars all the way forward, not just enough to get the clips in. This will prevent the LCA from moving fore and aft. One nice thing about poly on the lowers is that you don't have to have the car at ride height in order to torque the LCA spindle bolts. Don't forget the rear springs. I like rubber [ Moog ] at the front and poly for the shackles.

Thanks for the info, I was looking at the moog tie rod ends and ball joints as well as the energy suspension poly control arm and strut rod bushings.

Okay, I'll leave the stock idler/pitman, if I see something wrong when I start tearing it apart, I'll think about a new one.

What special tools should I be picking up to do the job? My upper and lower ball joints are the threaded type(more $ for the lowers unfortunately).

I am in the middle of my rebuild and the only special tool I needed was the ball joint socket. Everything else can be taken apart with normal tools , a BFH, vice grips, and a pickle fork or two. Also if you are reusing your torsion bars you will need the fancy removal tool or make your own non-scoring tool. I used vice grips because I am putting in new bars. You will need a shop to press you LCA and UCA bushings in and out.
My Rebuild

When I do the front end on a 40 year old car, I replace all the wear parts. You can get an idler arm for $15 at Rockauto.com. Why not do it while it is all apart?

If I'm doing a restoration rebuild then I replace everything but most of the time I just replace what is needed and leave it at that.