Need Help with Axle swap/lift question? ASAP

[la_blazer82]

I'm knee deep in the middle of a front axle swap, having removed all bolts, including shocks, u-bolts, spring eye, shakles, brakelines, sway bar, and d-shaft straps.

First Q: I need help figuring out how to separate the tie rod end bolt from the steering arm. I already removed the cotter pin, and tried loosening with a wrench. NO luck. I will not be using this steering arm, but this is the only thing holding the axle under the K5. Is there something I'm missing??

Second Q: On the D44 I'm swapping in, I already removed the 3 cone bolts holding the steering arm to the axle. I will be installing a 4" extended arm. How do I separate steering arm from axle??

 

[Topdown]

#1 is use a pickel fork after you get the nut off. if you cant get the nut off... I am thinking a sawsall or a torch will remove it all nicely.

#2 the answer my friend lies in what is commonly referred to as a BFH (big friggin hammer) you have to beat the damn thing off. hit it about 1/2 way down the arm and eventually it will seperate... eventually. there really is no better way that I have ever heard of.

 

[kyser_soze]

That steering arm has 3 tappered wedges that are drawn in by the nuts and they are a be-itch to take out. good luck.

 

[la_blazer82]

Going to have to buy a pickle fork (tie rod end tool) or rent one from Autozone.

As for the steering arm on the D44, I was finally able to get it off, but realized that the 4" Extended arm from TuffCountry for the D44 looks to have been fabbed wrong. It doesn't clear the bulge where the Tie Rod is attached to the axle. Do I send this back, or do I just grind down to fit?

I checked the box and it has the right TC part # for a D44