Hi all,
I'm trying to remove the track bar on my '99 4x4 1500 to replace the bushings. I took the axle end off, but for the life of me I can't get the frame side to come off. I have removed the nut so it should just slide out (like it did the last time I replaced the bar) but I'm having no such luck. I've tried twisting it, heating it, spraying it with penetrating oil, prying with a crow bar, and smashing it with a hammer, but it won't budge. Any suggestions?

I'm gonna borrow a friends ball joint separator tomorrow, but the last time we tried that, it split the grease jacket (or whatever you call it) so we had to replace the track bar. Is this the only way?

 

no personal experience on the track bar, but i think you have to use a separator tool, either a pickle fork, tie rod separator, 2 jaw puller, or pitman puller (whatever fits).

i've separate things with a pickle fork before and as long as the rubber was pretty good, w/o damage to the boot. i've got a small tie rod separator that i like, because you can wiggle it in under the boot.

 

Hit the part the trac bar goes into, not the t bar itself, or you'll wind up getting a new one anyway.

 

Ok the pickle fork didn't work, It still won't budge. I tried leaving the nut on the end of the stud (to save the threads) and hitting it with a hammer but still no luck. I also tried hitting the frame mount itself, still nothing. Any other suggestions before I admit defeat and drag it to the dealer?

 

You're in Michigan. It's rusted to holy heck.

 

Unlike the rest of the truck, it shouldn't be. I just put this new t bar in about 6 months ago. And when I did install it I greased the crap out of it so I doubt there's any rust on it.

 

well since your replacing the bushings, why not give it little heat, then using the pickle fork. Dont give into the dealer man! lol

 

I'm replacing the axle side bushings, the frame side is fine, it just won't let go of the frame. Tried the heat, no luck.

Do you think jacking up the front of the truck will pull the axle side of the t bar out far enough so I can replace the bushings with the bar still attached to the truck?

 

never, ever, admit defeat.
only admit that you need a bigger hammer, or a better power tool...

 

Heres a suggestion....heat the mount around the stud and while it is cooling spray some penetrating oil down around the stud. It'll bubble but also be sucked in to the taper by the contraction and cooling of the steel. PS....it doesnt't need to be red hot.
Of course you'll want something thats non flamable, and yes they exist. You may have to do several cycles to suck enough penetrant in there to loosen things.
Then you need the right pickle fork and the perfect hammer strike.