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Removing tie rod ends
I have a pickle fork for removing tie rod and drag link ends, but I only use it to remove ends where the castle nut is rusted solid to the the threads of the tapered stud and the stud spins inside the tapered hole in the steering knuckle or pitman arm. A rod end in that condition will have to be replaced anyway, so injuring it with a pickle fork is no big deal. Wedge the pickle fork between the tie rod and knuckle, heat the castle nut with a Map gas or acetylene torch. Heating the nut will make the nut expand away from the stud and help loosen up the nut.
If you intend to reuse the rod end, the fork will ruin the rubber dust boot. The trick here is persuade the rod end to release itself from the tapered hole without damaging anything. First, remove the cotter pin and castle nut. Then with a 5 to 10 lb sledge hammer, smack the end of the pitman arm or knuckle 2 to 3 times. Do not hit the rod end or tapered stud in any way. The taper should release by the 2nd or 3rd impact. The trick to the have a solid, controlled well placed hit so you don't damage anything.
If you try this with a small hammer, it will bounce back and hit you and it won't effect the rod end at all.
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