i'm stuck on my clutch install. im trying to remove the steering links so i can drop the subframe in order to get more room to remove the tranny. i cant seem to knock the steering links off of the knuckles. my buddy came over to try to help me but he had no luck either. i tried hitting the top of the tie rod bolt with a rubber dead blow hammer and that didnt work. i tried hammering a ball joint tool in between the tie rod and knuckle, but that didnt work either. someone told me to try heating the knuckle up with a torch to expand the metal. any body have any other ideas? i can make videos of my unsuccessful attempts. here are pics of what im trying to remove.

 

When you say ball joint tool are you referring to a separator fork? I think the only thing you'll eventually do with that is shred the dust cover. You could try a pitman arm puller/tie rod end puller. If you have an autozone nearby you can rent from them.

http://www.autozone.com/in_our_store...ie_rod_end.htm


::Edit:: I'd also like to add I've never done a clutch on this car. Pulling and repressing a ball joint is a PITA. Could you just remove the control arm altogether?

 

dont drop the frame there is no need to, youll get wha ti had happen frame bolts spin freely

 

Hit the knuckle from the rear with a "real hammer" a few times the tierod end will fall right out.

 

un-necessary. I just completed a clutch install without dropping the subframe. Easier to take out the studs on the driver side mount.

 

took me 10 seconds to remove the tie rod with the tie rod puller! thanks for the advice man!

 

fyi for all the subframe advise:

a mr tranny isn't the same as a five speed in terms of a clutch install