i ordered parts from kragen and got the inner and outer tie rod arms and a centerlink. i began to unbolt the carter pin and take off some of the nuts from the outer tie rod arm and inner tie rod from one side. now i am having trouble getting the tie rod to drop out. the book says to use a ball joint puller but does anyone know of another way to separate the front suspension?

 

did you hit the top of the tie rod end with a hammer?
that's pretty much the only way to do it without a pickle fork, they are pretty cheap, like 20 bucks, some places even rent them out

 

easiest way i do it is, Take a hammer and hit the steering knuckle the vibration should let it pop right out

Other wise a picklefork will work

 

yea i tried the pickle fork and a rubber mallot on the top of the tie rod. its not coming out. anyone have any suggestions?

 

Make sure you've got the right size pickle fork.. so it fits between the tie rod and centerlink or spindle. If the opening between the tines is too small it'll get hung up on the tie rod bolt shaft instead of forcing the two pieces apart. Remove cotter pin (if installed), bolt, place fork between tie rod and centerlink then whack real hard. Rubber mallet may not impart enough whack strength.

 

I think the right size pickle fork is actually for a ball joint, if you used the one for tie rods it's too small. that's the way it worked out with my kit anyway.

 

take some heat to the knuckles

 

Did you try hitting the steering knuckle ( where the tie rod attaches 2) on the side? the vibration should pop it out