So the install of the Nitro hammer-in axle sleeves has gone pretty well so far. The driver's side is in all the way to the knurled end (waiting on a bearing race driver before we finish) and the passenger side has about 8 inches to go. We didn't remove the knuckle before we started this process because we were hoping we could avoid it if possible. But we started to realize it would be easier with the knuckle out of the way, especially since the next job is to weld on the C gussets, and we don't want to overheat the ball joints (realize there are ways to mitigate this though).

Anyway, just wondering if anyone has had any luck removing the knuckle with a pickle fork and not damaging the rubber boot/ball joint??

Including a picture of the current status.

 

Did you measure them before you put them in. Now most likely you bend the long side.... When not having sleeves but it depends and not always.

 

I'm not sure I understand. We aren't having any trouble getting the sleeves in, we were just looking to get the knuckle out of the way before finishing up the install.

 

How would installing the sleeve before measuring it result in bending the ________ on the passenger side?

 

What...you bent the sleeve! OMG! But to answer your question yes you will probably tear up the dust boot. You can do it without tearing it, you just have to go slow and be very careful.

 

How would the sleeve be bent?

 

You don't need to remove the knuckle to install the sleeves or to weld the gussetts. The race driver should have enough length to easily finish the install.

 

Holy crap you guys to remove knuckle hit with big hammer downward just don't unscrew the BJ nuts those will keep it on after you hit it with a hammer

 

Can try the BFH/top of knuckle technique ... my previous experience indicates that is ineffective though. Worth a shot! Thanks for the tip.

 

I'm sorry that was sarcasm. My bad I should have clarified.