Help! Need to remove tie rod to replace oil pan gasket.

[jdeezee]

I understand on an 80/3FE the tie rod will need to be moved out of the way in order to get the oil pan off. How do I get the tie rod off? Do I have to have the special tool? Thanks!

 

[chibo]

Take the bolt and cotter pin out then place a jack under the tie rod near the tie rod end and jack it up. It'll pop out, if not take heat to it while it's got the jack under it or wack where it attaches to the knuckle. Don't hammer, jack, or heat the tie rod end where it goes through the knuckle - you'll screw up the threads.

Most tools will also kill the tie rod ends if they're decently seized in... that's why I prefer to jack on the tie rod.

 

[therealratfink]

If you loosen the nut as stated above (leave it on to protect the threads if you happen to miss your target with the hammer), and hit the end of the eye that the tierod goes through with a decent size hammer it will pop right off. Rarely need any other form of leverage.

 

[chibo]

If you loosen the nut as stated above (leave it on to protect the threads if you happen to miss your target with the hammer), and hit the end of the eye that the tierod goes through with a decent size hammer it will pop right off. Rarely need any other form of leverage.

The problem there is that if you beat it too much it mushrooms and you're never getting the nut back on it. I can see it working fine if you're only hitting the nut though... which maybe is what you were implying.

 

[therealratfink]

You must not understand what I said. First off the nut is still on, so it's not an issue. Second, you're not hitting the tierod, you're hitting the spindle where the tierod mounts. You can bang on that until the neighbors complain and never hurt it.

 

[chibo]

You must not understand what I said. First off the nut is still on, so it's not an issue. Second, you're not hitting the tierod, you're hitting the spindle where the tierod mounts. You can bang on that until the neighbors complain and never hurt it.

My mistake. :whoops:

 

[Cruiser Jimmy]

Edit.
(Get the loaner) tie rod separator from Autozone.

 

[dgranth]

I like the fact that most chain auto stores will loan you the tools you rarely need, so you can save the dough... Autozone included. Try the free methods first, then go to the store and try the other free methods.

 

[jdeezee]

Thanks Guys. I used the jack method and it popped right out. Getting the pan off has proved to be the real PITA. Got one side loose using the bottle jack. The other side will not budge. Thanks again. -JD

 

[chibo]

Are you planning on unbolting the engine mounts and lifting it a bit to get the pan out..... or are you just doing the lower pan?

 

[jdeezee]

91/3FE el pan grande.

 

[jdeezee]

Update...

OK thanks to the expert advise from mud members I was finally able to get the oil pan off using the bottle jack against the frame. Scraped the old petrified gasket off the pan and engine but unfortunately the gasket is fused to the front and rear arches and there is no real way to reach up in there to scrape/pry/clean it out. I'm not particularly enept but this "one banana" job has been a nightmare. Back at it tomorrow...