Ok so I'm installing my drop spindles but cannot get the tie rod to separate from the little arm that bolts to the spindle. I tried hitting it with a hammer like recommended but the thing does not move. I imagine I'll have the same problem with the upper and lower ball joint removal as well. So anyone got some ideas? I don't want to have to replace the upper or lower joints or the tie rod end. I've seen the forks but it seems they would damage the bushings.
yea if your gonna try and reuse the ball joints and tie rods the pickle fork type seperators always tear up the rubber boot. they make a removal tool that looks kinda like a c clamp. google ball joint seperator or go to harborfreight.com and buy a cheap one if your not gonna need this tool again.
if you have two hammers place one on the opposite side your hitting on and keep pressure on the hammer against the stock spindle. With the other hammer give it several hard blows on the other side of the spindle and what this does is oblong the hole that the tie rod goes through and you should be able to slide it out. The idea of the 2 hammers is to keep the energy from the hit where you want it so you dont loose swinging power.
a tie rod seperator is worth its weight in gold and cost's under $20 using a hammer is a bad idea if you plan to reuse the parts. you'll F threads, oblong the holes (very bad mmmk) and most likely whack the crap out of your thumb a few times. a pickle fork works well if your going to put in new parts but you are almost guaranteed to hit your thumb with one. a puller takes away all the swearing, pain, and mandatory new parts. plus it works every time the first time. remember this is your steering, and creating play in the steering by forcing a thing apart or whacking it with a hammer will piss you off in the end when you need new parts to drive straight.
