Ridetech 11230109 - Manual (Page 14)

Disassembly of the ball joints from the spindles can be eased by making the simple tool shown in the
photo below. A pair of 1 ½” long bolts are threaded into a matching hex coupler. The ball joint cotter
pins are removed, and the hex nuts loosened a couple turns. Place the tool between the ball joint
studs, and turn a bolt to expand the tool, gently popping the ball joint studs loose. If your ball joint
boots are torn, as often happens when a pickle fork is used to separate the ball joints, NAPA has
replacements. The best way to remove the outer tie rod pivot is to loosen the hex nut, and then rap
the steering arm boss with a hammer. Tie rod ends pullers are also available if you want to be more
gentle on the parts. Do NOT hammer on the tie rod stud itself! Be sure to leave the shock absorber
in place to control the spring and prevent it jumping out.