i'm rebuilding the front end of my 53 (my first time), but can't seem to get the tie rod end separated from the arm. i thought it would just push out with some bfh persuasion, but now i'm thinking it might be threaded in. i cant get it to budge for the life of me. is it threaded in? are there any tricks to getting that loose?
no there not threaded in . there taper fit . there are 2 ways to do it , with a seperator tool pickle fork . which will destroy the boots. or with a 3 lb. sledge hammer . by hitting the spindle on the side where the tie rod gose in it . wack it about 3 times it should fall out . not on the threads .
I had to use a pickle fork on mine and really messed up the tie rod end but I wanted to replace them anyway. If you are going to replace them.... beat the **** out of them to get them off. Use some penetrating oil and let them sit for a bit before trying to remove them. Your forearms will look like Popeye's when your done!
Then there is the EZ way,get the Harbor Freight fork for the air hammer get one pull on the trigger and it was a done deal.I wanted to replaced the old rotten boots and for less than $15 you can get a whole set from Energy Suspension, if O'Reilly's or Autozone does not have them in stock you could order them from Summit.
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