Steering stabilizer question

[Drobbs 85]

 I'm trying to replace my old steering stabilizer with a new one from Tuff Country and I'm having difficulty getting the old one off. Yes, I know theres only a few bolts holding this thing on but one of them is confusing..I can get the bolt holding it on to the axle off easily, along with the one on the front of the steering linkage that has a cotter pin going through it, but the one thats directly in between the linkage and the stabilizer is the problem. Which way do I need to turn it? It wont budge..I've soaked it down with Pb blaster too, but its not moving..Sorry for the dumb question..Heres some pics

[VileZambonie]

/you don't need to turn it, it's a tapered interfernce fit into the center link. Just support the link with a jack directly underneath it and strike the center link above the stud with a hammer.  It will pop out. If you still can't get it use a pickle fork.

[Drobbs 85]

Ok, what do you mean by link? the steering linkage or something else? Are you saying that I should just support the long rod with a jack and hit the threaded part that the nut with the cotter pin is on until it just pops out? Thanks.

[VileZambonie]

No! Don't ever strike the threads all that will do is ruin the threads and mushroom it! It's shock therapy, support the center link and shock it with a hammer.

[Drobbs 85]

Alright thanks man, that illustration helped alot lol, I'll go give it a try

[Drobbs 85]

Alright well I went and did what you said, banged on it for a while but it still wont come out. Where can I get a pickle fork and how would I use it to get it off?

[Blazin]

You did loosen the nut first right? I take them off, flip them over thread them back on almost flush. whack the drag link some and them swat the nut toward the axle. You can buy pickle forks or rent them at most auto parts stores. You would put it between the stabilizer and the tie rod. Drive it in so it forces them apart.

[Lt.Del]

$15 will get you a pickle fork from Auto Zone or Advance.  Make sure you get a tie rod ford, versus a Ball joint fork.  They are different--Ball joint fork is spaced a little further apart. See www.delbridge.net/balljoints

[Drobbs 85]

Yes, I took the nut that had the cotter pin in it off before I started banging on it. I'll try again tomorrow and if I cant get it than I'll just go get a pickle fork..

[VileZambonie]

smack it like a man. Picture my ex wife or equivalent and hit it where i said and you'll see it pop right out. Trust me I've done 8 zillion of them. Use a 3lb sledge.

[Blazin]

yeah don't be bashful, hit it like you got a pair!

[Drobbs 85]

Ok..this things gettin me angry now . I smashed this thing as hard as I could for hours it seemed like and all it did was flatten the top of it..My dad also took a crack at it and it just wont budge. So I said forget it and went and got a "tie rod puller" from autozone for 10 bucks. It looks like a giant two pronged fork, I guess its a pickle fork? So I get home in hopes of gettin this thing off and low and behold I cant get it off with this dang thing either! I think it might be a little too wide cause when I drive it down it just falls almost..I dont know what to do...

[VileZambonie]

The puller is not a pickle fork. This is a pickle fork


Put a little heat on it and show it who's boss.

One time my friend couldn't get one apart so his mom went outside and did it for him lol

[Drobbs 85]

well thats exactly what the thing I bought looks like..I guess I'll go borrow a torch or something

[VileZambonie]

this is the puller