OK, will possibly do my axle pivot bushings later next week, and looks like you need to pull the tie rod end at the spindle (because the damn tie rod goes thru the radius arm). Anyway, wondering if there's a preferred tool to pop the tie rod off of the spindle?? The pickle fork you can rent at Autozone works fine, but it tears the hell out of the boot. The generic two jaw pullers that Autozone rents (pitman arm puller and tie rod end puller, 27022 and 27016) just don't quite fit. They make other pullers that look like this (see picture of 27125) but you probably COULD make the autozone pullers work if you pulled the caliper. The body of the caliper appears to get in the way of a good puller.



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Just use a 4lb hammer and hit the outside of where the ball joint stud passes through until is pops loose. I always leave the nut on (but loose of course) to protect the threads in case the hammer glances off.

 

+2 on the hammer, do not hit the nut, just the sides of the arm. The shock will loosen it. You can't hit it too hard.

 

+3 on the hammer!

I loosen the nut till it is flat with the top of the tie rod stud, and I use the persuader on the side of the assembly. A swing or two on the side should break the joint free. Ive also tapped the top of the nut a few times too. With the nut on the shaft it protects the threads and allows you to clean any damage off when you remove the nuts.

 

10-4 on the Hammer! Right now, I am hammered on Makers Mark. 86 proof. Kentucky Bourbon. Small batch. Anyone within' shoutin' distance come on by my place and I'll pour u a drink.

Rev. Robert Tilton