I'm installing the bullitt kit today. I got the rear done no probs. My question is on the front. On the tie rod ends, you remove the cotter pin and then the nut. After that, should the bolt slide loose of the spindle. I used a fork and it seems really tight. I need the thing disconnected b/c I can;t get the spring in with the a arm where it is and I'm affraid to drop the arm too far with the tie rod attached.

 

you got the bolt off the tie rod but cant disconnect the tie rod? is that what you're asking? get a rubber malet (or any similar hammer) and knock it out of there. you have to disconnect the tie rod before you can lower the control arm enough to get the spring out.

 

Yea, Its like the bolt is stuck in there. I'll go pound it again real quick.

 

No dice, I'll take a break for a minute.

 

is the control arm preloaded? raise it up with a jack. if its too low you're just making it harder because of the angle. get some muscles and knock that chit outa there. i dont remember it being that hard when i did mine.

 

I use a ball peen hammer and smack the spindle metal that surrounds the tie rod taper bolt. That usually only takes one or 2 good whacks and the thing falls right out. Doesn't hurt anything. Otherwise, pickle fork and hammer.

 

borrowed a real hammer from the neigbor. Got em, install continues.

 

I realize this is too late to help, but to lower your control arms enough to get a new spring in, I thought all you had to do was unbolt the stabilizer bar end links. The tie rod ends should not hinder the movement that much?

 

it's just easier with the tie rods off. I usually just sit on the spindle after dropping the sway bar and the spring falls out.

 

i was gonna say the exact same thing. it just makes it that much easier. if you dont take off the tie rods you're more than likely gonna have to pry out the stock springs. if you already have lowering springs then they will plop right out without the tie rods disconnected.

 

Once I disconnected the tie rod ends, you can push down on the a arm and give the spring a good yank and it'll come out.