I am going to replace the tie rods and the drag link, as well as the steering damper on my '83 300SD. What tool is best to use for popping the joints loose? A pickle fork? Would you recommend something else? To install, just tighten the nuts on top to get the joints fully seated while holding each joint in place with the Allen wrench?
Putting a little bit of penetrating oil on the nuts helps too, as does making sure the allen key is fully seated in the socket, as they're a little deeper than normal capscrews. Since you're replacing the tie rod ends and drag link; the pieces with grease boots; it doesn't really matter that the pickle fork will destroy the boots in the removal process.
Ideally an air hammer with a pickle fork on the end would be the tool to use. Very, very quick with the added bonus of destroying the remains of the old tie rod ends with maximum carnage to the boots.
Last edited by Benz Prodigy : 05-03-2008 at 10:32 PM.
tie rod and drag link replacement 
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