Ricko1966
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2017
- Posts
- 4,067
- Reaction score
- 5,918
- Location
- kansas
- First Name
- Rick
- Truck Year
- 1975
- Truck Model
- c20
- Engine Size
- 350
Okay I was changing an outer tie rod end on the D.D. today and thinking about how many times I've heard a newb think they need a pickle fork. 99.99 percent of the time I can pop a tie rod end just smacking the knuckle with a hammer,try it. A pickle fork is guaranteed to destroy the boots. I leave the nut loose just in case my aim is wrong,then fully remove it after the pop. Look at the hammer mark on the dirty knuckle to see where you hit it. I can get most ball joints the same way,but occasionally need a pickle fork. Found a torn axle boot not a problem yet,but it will be so,thats the next thing. Its obvious its bad so gotta fix it. I dont know why some people have a problem with that,when something obviously is bad,fix it,it might even fix the problem your chasing. A couple more tips taking suspension etc. apart,spray paint what you're taking apart if position is critical put it back together so your paint outlines match up. Here's another little tip for you if you're trying to get aluminum hot enough to bend,but not crack break or melt. Blacken it with acetylene then heat it the acetylene black will burn off just below melting,pull your heat away make your bends.
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