In a message dated 3/14/04 3:29:35 AM, Oxroad@AOL.COM writes:

<< Any other ideas to keep from damaging the tie rod end and tie
rod end boot for this repair? >>

A pickle fork is one of the most misused tools in the box.  Even experienced
hands often see it as a wedge when in reality it is a pry.  If you see the end
of your mechanic's pickle fork mushroomed from being pounded home, find a new
mechanic.  The fork should TAPPED to seat it, then used to PRY the joint
apart while rapping on the side of the tapered socket of the housing.

The better tool is a tie rod end extractor.  It fits around the tie rod end
and presses on the stud.  I can't say where to buy one because I fashioned my
own based on a picture I once saw in a Volvo manual.  It works so well that I
do not hesitate to break the tie rod end connection.

In this case, the gear puller is useless.

George