I'm trying to install the RC 4" lift on my 2008 2wd Sahara Unlimited and the pitman arm and drag link will not separate. Tried the pickle fork and 3lb hammer---nothing. I have spread 2 pickle forks to no avail. I tried soaking the joint with liquid wrench for a day then tapping around the joint with the 3 lb hammer---nothing. You cannot get a small TRE puller in that small space; I've tried.

Any suggestions??

 

Yup. You need the right tool. A pitman arm puller. Like this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=1752

 

is the end swollen out? Can you get the pitman arm off of the gearbox?

 

One more thing.....even with the pitman arm puller, you may have to tap on the end of the puller bolt to make the pitman arm finally break loose. Some of them are pretty damn tight.

 

Got a torch? Put the puller on crank down on it , apply heat, should pop off after a few more cranks. Or scare the crap outta you when it pops while applying heat.

 

X2. You can get a loaner from Autozone or Advanced Autoparts.

 

I wouldn't torch it. You might end up melting the seal on the output shaft of the gearbox. That would not be too good.

 

Thought you were a redneck???? You know spit and ducktape would fix that seal.

 

The pitman arm is still on the steering box.

My problem is getting out the tapered end of the ball joint that connects the drag link to the pitman arm. The step-by-step directions by Way of Life on project-jk.com say that you can separate the drag link from the pitman arm using a pickle fork and a hammer. Let me tell you, I have completely spread the tines of two pickle forks trying to do it that way. It aint happening...

 

can you remove the pitman or not? if so i would advise taking it off and maybe torching it then or a few really hard side blows with the 3lb but only one it is off, you do not want to damage to the stearing box or shaft. I think Redneck is right on that and he has like 30yrs of monkey wrenchin under his belt.