What size pickle fork do i need to remove the steering knuckle on a 97 4x4? The biggest one i have is 1 1/8 inches but thats too small. Any tips for getting the knuckle off?

thanks,
mark

 

Ok here goes.
This is the old "I'm suck in the desert without water" trick.
"Do or Die"
Get 1 large 5 lb hammer and 1 medium 2 1/2 lb hammer.
Steel hammers not dead blow.
Use the 5 lb as a back up on one side of the knuckle and smack the other side of the knuckle really hard.
might take a few hits.

The idea is to hit the knuckle. Do not hit the tappered shaft.
You will be slightly deforming the knuckle. Not hitting the threaded part.

SFB

Be carefull!!!!

 

Go to Autozone and rent a puller. You get 100% of your money back even if you break the puller. Smack the puller bolt a few times with a hammer once you have tension on it and it will pop right off. A fork will tear the grease boot. If you are using this joint again, I wouldn't recommend the fork for that reason.

 

be real careful on how you use a puller. Dont ask me know I know, but if you do it wrong the hub splits apart and its non-serviceable and costs 200-350$.
leave the axle shaft nut on, and remove 3/4 of the knuckle retaining bolts, theyre 14mm 12pt.
put one back on the rear of the knuckle, and dont screw it in all the way. Now wedge in a socket extension or something between the bolt and something solid on the axle and use the power steering to drive the bolt in.
You might have to whack it a little with a hammer to straighten it out and press it a couple times, but it will come out easier.
Leave the shaft nut for last since it holds the hub together.