Tie rod boots

   / Tie rod boots #31  
All this chatter about pickle forks - use 'em or don't... Heck, I have a nice set that I bought over 50 years ago. Still nice and new - paint not even scratched. And all the while, I've replaced a bunch of tie rods, ball joints and drag links. That set of nice pickle forks have held up real good - sitting in the bottom of my toolbox. So, if you got 'em, use 'em, or like me - not. If you don't have 'em, don't bother to buy 'em.

One way to avoid realignment is to throw a wrap of tape around the tie rod shaft marking how far to screw the new one on. Works better than using a marker or counting threads. But, as John0829 says, realignment on a tractor is not child's play. Close as you can measure is good enough.
 
   / Tie rod boots #32  
All this chatter about pickle forks - use 'em or don't... Heck, I have a nice set that I bought over 50 years ago. Still nice and new - paint not even scratched. And all the while, I've replaced a bunch of tie rods, ball joints and drag links. That set of nice pickle forks have held up real good - sitting in the bottom of my toolbox. So, if you got 'em, use 'em, or like me - not. If you don't have 'em, don't bother to buy 'em.

One way to avoid realignment is to throw a wrap of tape around the tie rod shaft marking how far to screw the new one on. Works better than using a marker or counting threads. But, as John0829 says, realignment on a tractor is not child's play. Close as you can measure is good enough.

I can't say my pickle forks are unused. I used them for several tasks other than removing tie rods. Then I bought a Snap-On Air Chisel that has 3 different sized pickle fork attachments. Now I don't use my manual forks at all. And I still don't use them for tie rod removal. :)
 
   / Tie rod boots #33  
I can't say my pickle forks are unused. I used them for several tasks other than removing tie rods. Then I bought a Snap-On Air Chisel that has 3 different sized pickle fork attachments. Now I don't use my manual forks at all. And I still don't use them for tie rod removal. :)
Okay... I'll bite. What are you using your pickle forks for?
 
   / Tie rod boots #34  
Okay... I'll bite. What are you using your pickle forks for?

Usually when working on old rusty machinery during disassembly. My air hammer with pickle fork will shear a pretty good sized bolt and separate metal parts when they can't be wrenched.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2017 Ram 5500 Valve Placer Bucket Truck with Versalift STP36NE - 41FT Working Height, Low Miles (A51039)
2017 Ram 5500...
2013 INTERNATIONAL 4300 26FT BOX TRUCK (A51219)
2013 INTERNATIONAL...
2022 Continental 16ft T/A Enclosed Trailer (A49461)
2022 Continental...
2013 Cadillac ATS Sedan (A50324)
2013 Cadillac ATS...
2014 MACK GU813 GRANITE ROLL OFF TRUCK (A50854)
2014 MACK GU813...
2013 UTILITY VS2DX 53FT DRY VAN TRAILER (A51222)
2013 UTILITY VS2DX...
 
Top