hmm. the rebuilt steering rack that i bought doesnt come with the tie rod
ends (ie the ball joint) that connect to the knuckle.  thus, i am trying to
figure out a way to not destroy these ends, otherwise i will have to pay
~$25 a piece for them, i think.  but im also concerned about being able to
get the tie rod ends (ball joint) off of the tie rods themselves.  is this
what you are talking about below when you mention the conical shaped rod
ends, and it being impossible to undo?  anybody else ever been able to
separate the tie rod ends from the tie rods?
-steve and buster

----- Original Message -----
From: <SBWC919@aol.com>
To: <sg@sunsetwinona.com>
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2001 6:22 PM
Subject: Re: having trouble with steering rack install

> I think you need a tool called a pickle fork. After you pull the cotter
pins
> and take the nuts off of the tie rod ends, you insert the fork inbetween
the
> steering knuckle and the tie rod end, then beat the hell out of it with a
> BFH. This destroys the boot- but you dont care since the rack you have
comes
> with new ones.
>  The stud on the rod ends are conical shaped. when you tighten them, the
cone
> is forced into the socket. You will NEVER turn them- you have to beat them
> apart.
>  some people have had luck loosening the castle nut on top, running it up
to
> the top of the stud and beating down on that with the BFH- but that has
never
> worked for me.
> Your local auto store should carry pickle forks.
> Let me know if you need more help.
>
> Brian
> 83 1/2 Urabus
>