What seems to be the most popular way to remove tie rods? Good ole' pickle fork? Or ball pein hammer? Tires on? or Tires off? Getting my Christmas list ready for some winter repair. Thanks in advance.

 

I used a small pry bar to apply some pressure upwards and smacked the casting with a hammer. 2-3 good whacks and it was free. Didn't even lift the truck.

 

Are you talking about the joints at the ends of the drag link and track bar? I used a 4 lb. mini-sledge hammer I've had for decades. I whacked each fitting after removing the nuts and they all came apart with the first blow.

 

Pickle fork and a hammer works fine. No need to remove wheels.

 

I Personally dont like to hammer on things, Used a ball joint separator on the stuck one.

 

Pickle forks are designed to be hammered on.