So I completely forgot to put the bracket that holds the speed sensor wires out of the way.
Ive already torqued the C to the ball joints so breaking it loose again isnt going to be easy. Im afraid that I will ruin the ball joints if I use the pickle fork to try and remove the axle C.

What do you guys think I should do? Ive tried hammering on the C to break it loose but its not going anywhere. Should I leave the bracket out and come up with something to hold the wire or should I try to break the C loose with a pickle fork?

 

I think anyone who has taken up mechanical projects has from time to time made a mistake, sometime time consuming and costly mistakes but my opinion would be to tear it apart and do it right. The good news is you will probably never make the same mistake.

 

The issue Im having is that I am trying to go back and correct it but Im not sure how to get the C loose without damaging my brand new ball joints.

And sadly, I ALMOST did the exact same thing on the drivers side but realized it before torquing it down. I did the passenger side the following day and completely missed it

 

I did the same thing. Pull the cotter pin out of the upper ball joint, remove the nut from the ball joint stud, put the bracket on, reinstall and retorque the nut, install a new cotter pin. Minor nuisance.

 

Definitely not worth pulling stuff apart! Step back and give some thought to a way to secure it. Honestly, I'd use a couple cable ties (large zip ties). They're not going anywhere. It really isn't a big deal. If it bothers after that, cut the ends of the bracket off and have someone tack weld them on to the C.

 

Here's a clearer picture of how it goes.

 

Simple enough. Thanks.

On a related note I did get to top to break free but I cant get the bottom. I saw a video showing a method where you use two hammers to hit the lower end on both sides so it spreads the upper end of the taper and lets it drop free. Worked great on the top but the shape of the bottom doesnt allow for that method.



edit: for some odd reason I thought it was supposed to go above the outter "C" (or whatever its called) and not below.
I was trying to remove the whole thing.

This is what happens when you leave a project for a week and then resume it. You forget the little things! Thanks guys. All is now well.

 

I find it really helpful when starting a job to shoot a few pics with my phone. Then, when I do forget (and I always forget, LOL), I have something handy to reference. Finally, I'm afraid to ask: What about the other side? Is it done correctly now?

 

Both sides are correct and good to go. Now Im working on getting my tie rod and drag link installed and adjusted.

On that note, do you guys do your own alignment (toe setting) or do you take it to a shop? It doesnt seem too hard to do but since Im about to install new tires I was probably going to have a shop align everything.

 

I do my own. Depending on mods you may have, there isn't much to adjust. If you haven't installed adjustable control arms or trackbars, just center the steering wheel and check the toe in. Even if you have adjustable aftermarket parts, adjustment is very easy to do in your driveway.