I've been hammering, prying and every other clever thing I can think of to try to get this thing off. Problem is, I only have a rubber hammer and a ball joint fork. You think it would work if I used a metal hammer? What's the damn trick? I'm defeated here.

 

The fork and a real hammer or air hammer will do the trick. Rubber hammer won't do much.

 

I thought that might be the case. I'll go get one as soon as I can get a ride. Its ridiculous that I don't have a BFH but my Dad has some real shop space and a lot of my tools are there (30 miles away).

 

Yeah I only use a maul if I am dealing with front end parts.

 

Idler/pitman arm puller would work to.

 

Yeah suspension parts require alittle bit of *** to get them loose.. get you a real rammer and that should solve your problem

 

You guys were right. I got a 4lb sledge and it worked. I was really frustrated. I had taken the idler off the bracket already just to make some progress but I had to put it back on and get it loose from the tie rod first. Otherwise there was too much give in it when I beat on it. I think I'll try a pitman arm puller next time. I want to replace the pitman arm without damaging the rubber on the steering box.

Thanks again guys. By the way, i love my new Eastwing sledge. USA!