I'm embrassed to ask since I should know this already. Been awhile since Steering and Suspension class. My avatar Merc, has airbags, engine was replaced with a 327. I have a crack in my oil pan, center link is in the way from removing the pan. I don't need to remove the weight to disconnect, correct? Also will I need a fork to separate?
NOOOO!!! Don't use a fork! Simply go to Harbor Freight, and buy a puller. They have 3 different sizes, so measure the knuckle where the tapered bolt goes thru, and buy the 'C' shaped puller that will fit over it. Remove cotter keys, and nuts. Apply puller to each station, one at a time. No weight is supported with the steering linkage, just point wheels straight ahead, wiggle steering wheel back and forth a couple of times. Everything 'at rest', now remove the steering 'rod ends' A fork would have stressed the ball sockets, and torn the grease boots. Aren't we glad we did it right? The tool costs less than $7. And you get to keep it forever.
Atwater Mike, why not use a fork? I have done that for 40 years, in all sincerity what have I been doing wrong?
As I remember my Merc when it was stock. You only needed to remove the Pitman arm from the box and remove 2, 3/8" bolts that held the ideler arm bracket to the inside of the Frame rail. No need to take the actual ideler apart. The shaft on the steering box is tapered and splined and yes I used a puller and always left the nut on the threads flush to the end of the shaft to make sure I didn't flair the first threads. You can use a Fork on the pitman arm but stand a good chance of damaging the seal just inside the housing. I've never seen a rubber boot on any pitman arms.
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