Like the title says, its cool.
I've stolen a current design <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />, and "re-designed" it to work on our Rigs, and it works great!
I call it the "Big Knocker" and here is what the heck it's for.

Problem;
Disconnecting the tie-rod ends, and center-link on our rigs can be challenging when on the trail, or in the yard
(wrecking, no re-claiming <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />) yard.

Solution;
The Big Knocker goes over the end of the tie-rod, and allows you to remove the tapered press fit quite easily with just one, or two blows of a hammer, without any chance of damage to the boot/grease seal on the part.

It could save hours of fustration.

If you are interested, PM me and I"ll see if I can make you one for your tool bag (for a small fee) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Kary

I'm curious as to the design. My method works ok for me (loosen - do not remove - castle nut, apply tension with a pickle fork or pitmann arm press, then whang the eye (back up with a sledge) with a BFH, and the tapered pin will almost always drop loose, because the whang "springs" the eye slightly. You do always travel with a pickle fork, don't you??? I've used simple leverage to put tension on the pin, too, but that takes three hands (lever, backup hammer, swinging hammer), unless you have well trained feet and prehensile toes......

I never use a pickle fork as it always tears the boot.

Just use a small hammer, and hit the Eye Really fast and hard, and it "wangs" it like eddy says. You can usually tap the tapered part out with a hammer after that.

Does it do the Pitman arm and Idler as well?

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

$30, garunteed for life.

hey doug that work for pushing caliper pistons back into the bore also,just make sure you use a old pad against the piston.
i love mine.

Hey, I like "big knockers" !!!!

..here's a chick with a pair of HUGE knockers!



Kary,
Sounds like something I coulda used in Denver this summer!

Sign me up!


...Doug, Lee : not here, OK?

The optimum "other purposes" tool I've found for this job is a pair of big c-clamp vice grip pliers. There are two kinds - one has swivelling jaw faces, and one has rounded solid ends. Both will work, solids are a little better, for this at least.

When I use a pickle fork, I don't drive it in tight, just enough to put on some tension without tearing the boot. Usually won't work on a pitmann arm steering box end, for which I have a pitmann arm tool, which is a good non-boot tearing alternative to a pickle fork for idler arm/tie rod tapered pin and eye joints. The backup sledge is essential, and should be as heavy as practicable, and the rap should be very sharp... With some tension on the tapered pin, I rarely have to drive the threaded end (you should only hit the old castle nut unscrewed beyond the pin threads) by hammer this way. PB-Blaster is alway nice......

BB,
Can you post a picture of the "Big Knocker"?

Chris

OK;
Don's picture is pretty close <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Post pictures........uh, you don't know me do you.
Sorry but posting pictures is not my stong suit. It is actually a very simple tool however, just requires some time on a lathe/mill to make.
Have digital camera...yeah. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Have computer.........Doh. (even have a new quazimoto full zoot laptop!) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />
Post pictures <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />......Well, I've tried <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />, and many have tried to help <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> but.................so far I just don't get it.
sorry but when I take some pictures I'll see who is up to help me out again.
My good buddy DougH <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> may be on the other side of the world from me, but he has been very helpfull in the past. Christmas is comming, big dog! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /><img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />
Kary