Removing Trackbar--HELP!!

[THerman]

I know this has been addressed, but without the search, I can't find it.



Anyone out there that had a hard time busting the track bar loose have any good hints/tricks? I need the boot, so I don't want to use a pickle fork...



Have already tried sledge hammer with extension bar with no luck.



I'm installing the luke's link kit and I'm assuming I need to keep the boot... if not let me know.



Tod

 

[BGDUMMY]

I just took a baby sledge and beat on the collar that holds the end in a few times, then got into the truck and turned the steering wheel a lttle and it fell right out.

P. S. I tried a puller and no luck what so ever. My friend a mechanic, said beat on the collar and it worked for me.

 

[THerman]

By collar you mean the female end attached to the frame right?



Did you have the other end loose?



I tried moving the steering wheel, but no luck... I stopped trying when I couldn't find a 18mm 1/2" socket for the other end... .



Thanks for the help!

 

[Ted W. Hazen]

I just installed the Luke's Link and used the pickle fork to break it loose. The rubber boot is not used in the new installation. The kit has it's own rubber gasket. Once things come loose the instructions are straight forward and easy to follow. I have no problem with clearance with my front differential cover.

 

[THerman]

Thanks Guys, That's just the info I needed.



Tod

 

[danandamy]

Mine wouldn't beat out. I beat on the female part like ya'll are talking about etc. What I did was use a pitman arm puller. It's a tight fit but can be done. I put the nut on the end of the stud to make it big enough around for the pitman puller to catch and it pooched right out of there just like nothing Oh, and when you go to put it back, it may not line up right, just have somebody work the steering wheel slowly in one direction or the other and it will line right back up.



trackbar dan



Oh, by the way, I also sprayed penetrating oil down it the night before. (The trackbar, that is )

 

[illflem]

A pitman arm puller has always worked for me. If you do the replacement with the front tires on the ground the new bar will slip right in.

 

[THerman]

Thanks guys! Will tackle it again tomorrow. Would like to get it done before my trip to New Orleans this weekend.