2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tie Rod Replacement....HELP

[JohnnyH]

I am in the process of changing out the Left Inner and Right Inner tie rods on the 95. The Right inner, Pitman arm to drag link, is stuck. I cant get the joint at the pitman arm apart. I have hit it with everthing I have and it wont budge. The Pickle Fork actually started to bend and spread apart. Any tips would be appreciated.



John

 

[JayWm]

If you have access to air and an air hammer that should do it for ya. That or try a gear puller and LOTS of lube

 

[Allnew2Me]

Call around your local auto parts stores, not the chains, the real parts stores. Many rent pitman pullers for cheap.

 

[rkressg]

Once you get the fork in there as tight as you can, begin beating on the pitman arm. It will eventually begin to seperate, it will just take work.

 

[T-Bone]

I "rented" one of these from Pep Boys. For a $10 deposit, you get the tool for a few days. Bring it back and get a full refund.



T-Bone

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[JohnnyH]

Thanks everyone. I got it off with a combination of the fork, heat and a sledge hammer. Now that the tie rods are replaced, I've got to get to work on the track bar. It has almost 1/4 inch of play when you turn the wheels. That sounds like too much to me. Oh yeah, a new stabilizer also, since I broke the stud off replacing the tie rods.



John

 

[DarenR]

My local Goodwench mechanic uses an air hammer. Leave the nut threaded on the end of the stud - 2-3 threads. Drive a fork between ball joint and arm to provide tension. Install punch in air hammer and hammer on end of stud. 1 or 2 pulls of the trigger will pop it loose.

 

[JohnnyH]

I just found out that I cant use a lukes link to fix my track bar. Apparently it has been changed before with a moog unit. Oh well, guess I'll have to find a new track bar.