ok guys, i need some advise. i am trying to replace the idler arm and bushing on my 71 mav. i got the old arm off and the old rubber gasket out but the metal sleeve is still in the center link. does this come out? the new bushing has a metal sleeve around the rubber so i assume the old one needs to come out. i tryed to remove the entire center link for better access but the joint between the pitman arm and the center link is not giving. i have tried a pickle fork with a BFH but it wont give. i considered taking the nut off to remove the pitman arm with the center link but i do not have a socket big enough to fit. what size socket fits this nut. the biggest i have is 1 1/4 and it is still to small. any suggestions or experience getting this apart? HELP!!!!!
Put some pressure on the joint, and then hit the part that the stud goes through with a big hammer. It will go "POP" and it will be loose. If your pickle fork is the right size (yep, they come in several sizes) then wedging it in there is enough pressure.
