Pitman ARm, and outer tie rod replacement help ASAP!!!!!

[MattyKappy]

Sorry for the capitals, but i really need help on this one.

I have a 1997 F-150 2wd, and i just brought it into the allignment shop to get it checked. They told me the pitman arm, and the outer right tie rod need to be replaced. Well since ive known this shop to not be the most honest shop, i think it might be BS. Well anyways, they told me 800 to fix everything. Since im a poor college student, and have to chose between feeding my self, or fixing my truck, i would have to say feeding my self comes first.

Now to the point, i just need to know if what size is that big castle nut to the steering box, and do i HAVE to use a puller for removing any of the parts, or can i just use a BFH ( Big F@#%%^# Hammer)?

Ohh PS

Im heading on the road 19th so hopefully it can be done before tomorrow.

[BChance]

You can use a hammer for the tie rod end, just take the nut off and pop it a few good ones on the outer housing that the tie rod goes through not the tie rod itself, that will put enough pressure on the taper of the tie rod end it will loosen it up. The pitman arm you will need a puller. If there is an Autozone near you, most if not all will loan them to you with a deposit.

Don't remember what size the nut is though, sorry.