2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Must remove tie rod to chg front diff cover?

[WBusa]

Has anyone successfully installed the Mag-Hytec front differential cover on a 4x4's Dana 60 WITHOUT first dropping the tie rod that runs in front of the differential cover? Or has anyone tried but found it to be impossible? I ask because my steering is currently excellent, and I'm a member of the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" school of thought. I'm a little leery of the 'just bang it with a hammer" method of disconnecting the tie rod, since my front end is so grungy down there I'm not convinced it will work, and I'm not much inclined to buy a puller if I don't have to. I'd welcome hearing other folks' experiences on this. Thanks!

 

[willyslover]

yes you can install without removing the tie rod. . BTDT

 

[nieters]

take the nut off the tie rod end. use a pry bar and keep constsant pressure down on the tie rod. hit the housing( the receiver the tie rod end goes in) with a hammer. that way you won't damage the bolt head and it should just pop right out. it took me two hits. it did not change my steering. good luck

chad

 

[WBusa]

Hmm... well, I won't question Willyslover's success with his '01, but I can report (after an hour on my back studying the situation) that it is physically impossible on my '95 to install the Mag-Hytec without first dropping the tie rod. Kids: don't try this at home. Guess I'll go buy me a puller tomorrow AM (thanks for the tip, nieters, but I'm a newbie and just uncomforable swinging a hammer at my beloved Laramie Slut).

 

[willyslover]

I was wrong... I forgot we did take one end loose..... sorry

the post below mine reminded me we did have to smack it... the day we did the work we did a bunch of stuff and I just plain forgot... I had Brandon under the rig doing full fluid change outs to synthetic and the day got long LOL

 

[WBusa]

I was wrong... I forgot we did take one end loose..... sorry

the post below mine reminded me we did have to smack it... the day we did the work we did a bunch of stuff and I just plain forgot... I had Brandon under the rig doing full fluid change outs to synthetic and the day got long LOL

Oh sure, now you tell me!

 

[willyslover]

well at least I owned up to it... again SORRY



if we are ever in the same area I'll buy ya a couple beers to repay ya

 

[lschultz]

You might try putting a jack under the frame by the front door and jacking it up. That might change the angle of the tie rod and give you enough clearance. Worked on my o4 getting some of the bolts out on the front differential.

 

[WBusa]

Just jerkin' yer chain, Willys; I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Next time I'm in CA I'll bring you a pack of Rolling Rock.

 

[biggy238]

I'm with neiters. Take a jack stand or something for a fulcrum and have a friend put their weight on a pole under the tie rod. Take a 5lb sledge and hit the ear that the tie rod is in and it should come lose. If it doesn't, you'll either need a pickle fork or you'll need to sell your cover.....