Removing Tie Rod Ball Joint

[sennafan61]

The tie rod ends on my '87 Spider have been bad for awhile. I was going to replace just the ends but I managed to find a complete set of tie rods with good ends on ebay for a very good price, so I decided to just remove and replace all three rods. I used a ballpeen hammer to remove the two ball joints on the passenger side rod and the two ball joints on the center rod, with no problem. But, the two ball joints on the driver's side rod just won't budge. I can't reach either joint with my hammer and my pickle fork is useless. I even tried to use an iron bar and sledge hammer from above, but neither joint will move. I'm thinking that my next move is to disconnect the tie rods from the steering box link so I can drop the rod down far enough to use my hammer. Any advice?

[Tifosi]

One of these will bring it. (might even be available at a local parts counter for rent)

[RKMspider74]

I got a similar one from Tooltopia.com for ten or fifteen bucks. Have used it several times.

[Andrew]

Or a "pickle fork" for about $10, which drives them apart with a wedge face. It tears up the boots, but if you're replacing the piece you don't care about the boot.

Andrew

[Alfa-Stu]

Heating the areas with a torch can help too, $15 from any Lowes, Home Depot etc.