Does one exist where it won't mangle the boot when removing? I had some luck (limited success) removing using 2 hammers hitting simultaneously.
Not that I know of. Hammers and pickle fork is all I do. But don't most new kits have the new boot? Or you trying to save an original one?
Yes, there's 2 reasons. I want to save the original and there seems not to be a good fitting replacement for the one in the kit.
I never use a pickle fork well almost never !
just a couple of good hard hits & they pop apart everytime ... well except last year , I had a stubborn one & ended up using the fork & got it apart but the hole ball popped out of the socket never did get the pin out of the arm just replaced the entire arm this was not on a mopar BTW
I have Hooker headers on my 'Cuda that require threading the center link between the pipes.
I've been using a 2 jaw puller.
Works fine, never damaged a boot yet.
When it realeases, it goes with a bang though, NOT gentle!
You don't want to be in the way trying to do that under the car, be careful.
Where can I get a 2 jaw puller?
Most Auto Parts store carry the cheap ones. Some will even "loan" them to you if you're buying parts from them.
Quote from: 61K T/A on February 15, 2017, 01:44:41 PM
Where can I get a 2 jaw puller?
Use this, it typically works on tie rod ends as well. Leave the nut on the end of the tie rod to protect the threads as you pop it loose. You also don't have to hammer on things, which annoys me quite a bit!
Lube the threads with anti-seize or at least some form of oil or grease.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-joint-separator-99849.html
Now THAT'S what i'm looking for! Thanks!!!!!
I put pressure on them with the puller and if it is seeming pretty tight I'll smack the side of the tie rod and it'll pop loose.
About 15 years ago a company called American Muscle Restoration Tools made a great Mopar suspension tool kit, which included tools for Torsion Bar removal, Ball Joint removal, Pivot Shaft bushing removal, etc. This kit included a Tie Rod Separator tool. Works great, in fact I used mine just this past weekend to remove my center link so I could get my oilpan off. Here's a picture.
- Wade
Quote from: 61K T/A on February 15, 2017, 01:44:41 PM
Where can I get a 2 jaw puller?
I picked one up at the local auto parts store.
It's the same tool I used to remove you pitman arm.
Oh yeah, I bought one of those American Muscle suspension tool kits.
I bought it for the torsion bar removal stuff, but I'm pretty sure it came with other tools that I haven't tried yet.
I guess I need to get it out and see what I have.
Quote from: Cudino on February 15, 2017, 09:17:07 PM
About 15 years ago a company called American Muscle Restoration Tools made a great Mopar suspension tool kit, which included tools for Torsion Bar removal, Ball Joint removal, Pivot Shaft bushing removal, etc. This kit included a Tie Rod Separator tool. Works great, in fact I used mine just this past weekend to remove my center link so I could get my oilpan off. Here's a picture.
- Wade
That looks like a "boot" fiendly tool!
We're in luck. They are still in business
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwist6fjv5TSAhXq6YMKHY5IAr0QFggpMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.americanmuscle.biz%2F&usg=AFQjCNF4uFtcu6nIprYgaHR8h-jsb43mIQ
Quote from: 61K T/A on February 16, 2017, 03:23:31 AM
We're in luck. They are still in business
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwist6fjv5TSAhXq6YMKHY5IAr0QFggpMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.americanmuscle.biz%2F&usg=AFQjCNF4uFtcu6nIprYgaHR8h-jsb43mIQ
Yep, that's them, good to know they're still around! Overall I found this toolkit to be very useful. And it looks like they now offer an LCA Sleeve Remover tool. My kit didn't include that tool, they must have designed that tool later on, so I had to cut my sleeves out (which was a hassle). But interestingly, the tool I'm referring to, the one shown as the Lower Ball Joint Stud Remover in their instruction picture (attached), no longer appears on their website under the Suspension Tools items. I'm sure I've used this particular tool as a Lower Ball Stud remover, but just this last weekend I used this same tool to pop out the tie rods from my center link, with no damage at all to the boots. Maybe check with them to see if this tool is still available, or if they have a different recommendation?
- Wade
Mancini racing has the lower ball stud remover tool and other American Muscle tools including the kit.
Moderator, Please move this thread to the "tools" catagory.