Thanks for the reply! A small gear puller may work. I was just wondering if there was a specialized tool for that job. I think the FSM had a Utica PN tool. It was probably hard to find by the late 90’s. Anyone else.
It’s loose, and flopping around. I’ll give it a shot. It would probably work much better if it was still bolted up! I didn’t really get a good look at it until I cleaned everything off. I should have popped it first. Thanks!
In my shop, it’s funny... it seems like if you do the same job enough, you’ll find a better way that works. In my case, I wish I had found it sooner a lot of times!
Thanks!
I was just concerned about the inner tie rod end, and damaging it. I didn’t plan on replacing the ball joints or the tie rod ends until I figured I already had the ball joint bolts out, and the ballon seal was damaged. I also believe all the front end suspension parts are factory. I bought the car from a 96 YO woman who only drove the car around her local town. Hitting it with a hammer would have been better if I didn’t already have everything loose. Good info for anyone else doing the job!
I've used this method when holding the upper control arm that was still attached to the spindle which was still attached to the lower control arm & the tie rod was still attached too.... I was able to separate all the components without any trouble... Didn't damage anything... Try it, you'll never use a pickle fork again...I was just concerned about the inner tie rod end, and damaging it. I didn’t plan on replacing the ball joints or the tie rod ends until I figured I already had the ball joint bolts out, and the ballon seal was damaged. I also believe all the front end suspension parts are factory. I bought the car from a 96 YO woman who only drove the car around her local town. Hitting it with a hammer would have been better if I didn’t already have everything loose. Good info for anyone else doing the job!
My ‘68 Satellite 383 four door daily driver. I should replace everything really, as it’s all 54 years old. But I just planned on doing the front drum brakes. I waited too long and trashed the drums, so I’m replacing those as well. It drives nice with no front end noise so I wasn’t planning on ball joints. But I remember an old time mechanic telling me years ago that the lower ball joints are the first to wear out in Mopars, and most that came in were sloppy.
Yeah... I never was a fan of pickle forks. They do work but, seem kinda primitive!
