Ball Joint Separators

[pmatulew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Jake;

As you just found out, the common "Pickle Fork" ball joint/tie rod
separator, although common and often used is NOT the correct tool. Mostly
because of the sort of damage you described. The CORRECT tool is a variant
of what you surmised. A small beefy version of a C-clamp that uses
compression rather than percussion to do the job. If you have one handy,
the IAP catalog has a picture of this tool. If not, hold up two fingers and
a thumb and you'll get the idea.

If you're lucky you might be able to rent this sort of tool from a place
near you....


     Good Luck!

               Paul Matulewicz
               86 GTV6
               the Fingerlakes of NY


P.S. My pickle-fork is well used.  :~)

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