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What size Pickle Fork (Ball Joint Separator)?

15K views 12 replies 4 participants last post by  vertical horizons 
#1 ·
I need to replace my drag link, the other end of the drag link that connects to the pitman arm & the 2 ends of the tie-rod. The connecting sleeves do not need to be replaced.

What size pickle fork do I need to separate these components? Does 1 size fork work for all of these, or do I need different forks?


*****Edit
When I pulled the cotter pin & loosened the castle nut from the tie-rod (where it attached to the drag link), I hit the castle nut with a hammer, hoping to loosen the tie-rod from the drag link. It loosened up, but now the castle nut & the bolt that goes through that nut now turn as one.

That's why NOW I have decided to use a pickle fork.
 
#4 ·
...but now the castle nut & the bolt that goes through that nut now turn as one.
Most of the time, just tapping the tapered pin back into the tapered hole will be enough to allow for removal of the nut. Or, if you have a nut cracker or Dremel tool, just cut the nut off.

If you insist on using a pickle fork, get one sized for tie rod ends, which are narrower than ones for ball joints.
 
#5 ·
Most of the time, just tapping the tapered pin back into the tapered hole will be enough to allow for removal of the nut. Or, if you have a nut cracker or Dremel tool, just cut the nut off.

If you insist on using a pickle fork, get one sized for tie rod ends, which are narrower than ones for ball joints.
Do you know what size that would be?
I'd rather ask here, than the local auto parts guy.
 
#8 ·
Seems like a lot of places have a 15/16" fork, instead of an 11/16".
Would that quarter inch difference still work? Or, would that be too wide of an opening?

TF007, I'm not doubting you. Just having a hard time finding an 11/16" fork, that is not part of a set.
 
#9 ·
Seems like a lot of places have a 15/16" fork, instead of an 11/16".
Would that quarter inch difference still work? Or, would that be too wide of an opening?
15/16" is for ball joints. Pretty wide for tie rod ends. It's hard to believe that a tie rod fork is that hard to find.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...95&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=ir&irgwc=1

http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tool...em-21-32-in-tie-rod-end-separator/555656_0_0/

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d..._1731&keyword=tie+rod+tool&pt=N2404&ppt=C2370
 
#11 ·
Ok.
I removed the old drag link & tie-rod.
The new stuff is installed.
(I ended up renting a pickle fork.)

Next question -
How many torque pounds do you put on those castle nuts?
(O'Reilly rents a torque wrench, too.)
 
#13 ·
Update - (600 miles later)


Sorry for not getting back to y'all. I haven't been on our forum for a few weeks.

Since installing the drag link & tie rods, I've driven about 600 miles. I have not gotten a front end alignment yet. Not sure I will. Both of my front tires are wearing evenly (after 600 miles).

I counted the number of turns each tie rod took to come out, and turned the new tie rods the same amount of turns.

My front tires need to be replaced soon, so I figured this would be a good time to run my jeep for a while, to see how the tire treads wear. If changing the components out, were to cause my front tires to wear unevenly, they need to be replaced anyway.

But, that's not the case. (At least, it appears so for the moment.)
When I stop semi-hard, with my hands loosely holding the wheel, the jeep doesn't veer to one side. When I'm driving, & holding the wheel loosely, the jeep drives straight. Doesn't pull to one side or the other.

If I start to have front end problems, then maybe I'll get that alignment. But for now, I think I'm good.

Everyone, thank you for the advice. It really helped a lot.
 
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