Heat should also help. When SD YOTA and I were working on MacRib's truck, we had a hell of a time with one of his tre's. A fork and a BFH is all we used and alot of . Be patient and move the fork around. Don't just keep it one place. Hit it at different angles. Be careful when backing the castle nut and hammering it. You might flatten the bolt and might not be able to take out the nut. Good luck.

 

Ahh, that's right! Heat. Still have the torch I purchased earlier this year for the water pump bolt I busted. I wondered when I'd have to use it, again.

Great idea, Fokai.

Thanks.

 

Well, I went at it again, today after work. Applied some heat....then swung for the fences. No go. Before I go the air hammer route I thought I might try something very similar to this tool.

Online reviews from a few mechanics say this tool makes life sooooooooooo much easier. Even easier than a pickle fork and air hammer. But that's just what I read.

We shall see.

 

Sorry this thing is giving you such a hard time...

Did you try that? Given the difficulty you've been having, I'd whack it pretty good with a sledge backing it up while using heat then beat the pickle fork in there...

That tool you posted looks like it could work. I've never used one. It might also still be an improperly fitted pickle fork. One of those $15 kits with the 3 sizes might make all the difference.

 

Honestly, no, I forgot about the anvil approach. I'll try that tomorrow when I get home from work. But I do think you're right about the wrong size pickle fork. I actually borrowed the one I have from my neighbor. Since this is my first time trying this, wasn't really prepared with the various tools involved - which is 3/4 of the battle - I know.

On the way home I think I'll stop by Harbor Frieght and pick up a pickle fork kit, then go from there.

But one way or another I'll get them out. Holding the new parts in my hand and imagining them on there....keeps me going.

 

I gave mine hell.

good luck with it!

 

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Saving myself a few dollars I borrowed a "kit" from Napa Auto ($100 deposit) which had the CORRECT size pickle fork. After getting a hold of the one from the kit I immediately realized the one I borrowed from my neighbor didn't have enough meat on it.

After 3-4 nice solid WHACKS from a BFH, it popped right off. That goes for both TRE's.

With the new ones on, WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

Shadetree, YOU da man. Thank you (all) for your input and patience. When I have the extra cash to spare I'll take on the remainder of the steering components.

 

Right on! That's great you got them off there! I told you you'd be stoked when you got it! Who knows what you would have spent at a shop to get it done. Next time you'll know how to do it and it won't be so difficult.

 

That's the one thing I love about these old Toyota pickups, you can pretty much do most of the wrenching involved with it's upkeep all on your own. Even with no formal automotive repair training. But you do have to have the proper tools.

Anyhow, here are some photos for any other guys out there trying to perform this repair for the first time. May or may not help. I'm personally more of a visual learner.

The "kit" from Napa Auto. It even came with directions on how to use the different tools!



The one on the left is from Napa A. The one on the right is from my neighbor, who happens to be a great body/fender/paint guy, who has never been into the wrenching aspecs of owning a vehicle.



The correct size pickle fork made all the difference in the world. Napa A. fork on the bottom.

 

awesome! glad it worked out for you. and that other tool you posted is great for when you need to reuse the part without ruining the boots.

 

Glad it all worked out for you in the end. Here comes the smilies..

 

whoever has a welder can make their own pickle forks easily. bench grinder and welder, EASYY lol