Toe link 'pinch' *(@#&$@()#*$

[Zakko]

Working on replacing my busted 2002 springs, just as every 2002 owner should...

I've got EVERYTHING apart except the 'toe link'. I've got the nut off of the 'pinch' but I can't get anything to budge at all!

Would this tool be appropriate to pull it out?

http://www.harborfreight.com/tie-rod-and-pitman-arm-puller-1752.html

Edit: Blah, no this won't work. Help! How the heck do I get this thing out?

 

[Zakko]

Ah, just found this over in the modified section. Will give it a shot:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=271167

 

[mikeinri]

As you've probably figured out, you have to remove the bolt first, then open the pinch, then remove the link. Lots of PB Blaster is a given.

I used a pickle fork, but not in the normal way (as a pry bar). You want to run the pickle fork behind the knuckle, and wind up with it such that the link arm is between the two tines of the fork, and the handle of the fork runs up over the axle, behind the knuckle, toward the front of the truck. Then, you can hit it with a mini sledge, and this will push the link out of the knuckle. Don't go crazy, you don't want to bend the arm.

Hope this helps.

Mike

 

[Zakko]

Very helpful. I soaked both toe links (driver and passenger side) in PB Blaster over my lunch break. I figured I needed to get that bolt out but it wouldn't budge last night. Hopefully the PB-B will work it's magic and I'll be able to get them out tonight.

Quick Struts are supposed to be delivered tomorrow. With any luck I'll have it all stripped down and just a short bit of work to put it back together tomorrow night.

 

[ford norseman]

When I did mine I ended up leaving the link connected to the knuckle, and disconnecting the link by the diff instead. Made it alot easier.

 

[mikeinri]

That's an interesting idea (removing the inboard side of the link).

The bolt itself should tap right out. I hit it with a hammer and it almost flew out of there. Be careful not to hit the threads or mushroom the end. Getting the link stud out takes some work (pickle fork as mentioned above should do the trick).

Mike

 

[ford norseman]

That's an interesting idea (removing the inboard side of the link).

The bolt itself should tap right out. I hit it with a hammer and it almost flew out of there.

Yeah, I've done a few of those by now. (I'm a mechanic.) The first one was my own. I typically don't have to use a hammer to get it out. But if I do, I'll put the nut back on a few threads, then give it a couple love taps.

 

[Zakko]

Thanks both of you. Just knowing that the bolt 'can' come out is a big help. I worked on it for awhile last night without any movement on it.

I'll be sure to put the nut on it if I resort to a hammer.

 

[ford norseman]

Thanks both of you. Just knowing that the bolt 'can' come out is a big help. I worked on it for awhile last night without any movement on it.

I'll be sure to put the nut on it if I resort to a hammer.

Yeah buddy, no problem. Good luck!

 

[Zakko]

Well, I got the bolts out. All that's left is to get the toe link bar out. I'm going to try a chisel to widen the pinch up a bit more and the pickle fork idea.

This is the tool you're talking about right?

http://www.harborfreight.com/16-inch-tie-rod-separator-1759.html

Basically using the fork to keep things in place while hammering? I found the angle you mentioned, above below the control arm/above the axle.

 

[Gudde]

I've had mine apart 4 times. Twice for wheel bearings once for rear axle seals and once for struts. I've tried the pickle bar once and I tore the boot on the link ($115.00). The small chisel worked best to widen the pinch. It's tough to get the angle to beat it in but it popped right out.

 

[Zakko]

Thanks Gudde, sounds like the consensus is to wedge the pinch apart further.

Picked this up over lunch just now: http://www.harborfreight.com/10-inch-flat-chisel-94347.html

Also a short handle 4lb sledgehammer. I really can't afford to break that boot today, have a roadtrip coming up on Friday!

Monroe Quick Struts came in today as well. Picked them up, and they do include the three top mounting nuts. Think I'll reuse the rest of the larger nuts with a bit of Loctite.

 

[mikeinri]

Yes, the pickle fork in your post is correct. You don't want to use this anywhere near the boot itself.

I wish I took a picture...

Anyway, take your finger and stick it in the crotch of the fork. Now, your finger represents the link arm. You want the fork wrapped around the metal part of the link arm end. You want to hit the handle end of the fork with a hammer to push the link arm stud out of the knuckle.

If you run the fork behind the knuckle like I described, this should become obvious.

Mike

 

[Zakko]

Thanks a TON guys! Got it finished tonight.

4lb sledge + chisel to widen the pinch
Pickle fork + 4lb sledge to pop the toe link out

Worked well. I worked carefully to make sure I didn't mess up the boot or bend the toe link.

Everything went together pretty easily after that. I'm going to have my mechanic torque everything down to spec tomorrow. Probably will get a rotate/balance at Sams since we got the tires there, might check into an alignment as well since we're going to be driving 20+ hours this weekend for a family trip.

 

[BigRondo]

Have a safe trip!

 

[mikeinri]

Cool, glad we could help. Thanks for the follow-up.

Mike