1985 V6 SE, automatic. Working on getting transmission off, I’ve got the cradle out and the last thing I need to do is get the axles out of the hubs and the transmission lifted.
But, I’m trying to get the outer tie rods off to get enough suspension movement—I have a tool to do it, but it’s just getting grease everywhere and not moving the tie rod.
Is there a way to remove the axles and transmission without removing the tie rod ends from the knuckle?
I ask too many questions on here. Lucky to have you people to pester when I get anxious about what I’m doing wrong.
When I dropped my cradle, to disconnect the axle from the transmission (I left them in the hubs), I pulled the struts apart, and disconnected the inner tie rod, it's just bolted in place, not the press fit of the outer tie rod. To get the outer tie rod off, I just use a hammer on the nut partially threaded onto it
Is there a way to remove the axles and transmission without removing the tie rod ends from the knuckle?
Yes as fieroguru mentioned...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ When removing the tie rod ends from the knuckle...
quote
Yeah I was using a pickle fork and hammer..
Don't be a caveman, use the proper tool which are listed in the service manual {or equivalent}
------------------ Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles
[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 04-16-2025).]
Don't be a caveman, use the proper tool which are listed in the service manual
And the double hammer on the taper trick. Hit both sides of the taper on the knuckle with a hammer at the same time while theres some force pushing the tierod end out, usually falls right off unless its seized to hell and back. My VW dune buggy was seized solid and had to be cut off and drilled out.
I ended up using the outer tie rod removing tool…rented it from AutoZone, got them both off in about two minutes. I’m so relieved. Transmission and axles are all out
