Help with front suspension/steering tear down

[ReaperSRX]

I am in the process of putting viper shocks, radius rods & steering rods on my 2000 SRX. I thought the tear down would be straight forward but i am having trouble getting the steering arms off the main steering mount. Is there a trick with the hem's. I know should get the manifolds off to help with clearance (have a few scraped knuckles) but i have all out side of the sled parts disconnected but not sure if the bolts just push through, i don't want to start pounding.... ........thanks..............James

 

[ReaperSRX]

......where the steering rods connect with the main steering mount, i have the nuts off but not sure if the bolts i did try lightly to hit on them but wanted to make sure so i don't break something for once......James

 

[2ooosrx]

The steering rods have the same threads, just take the old one's out and put in the new one's. You do not have to take the hole universal joint out.
Bruce

 

[chance3131]

I can't remember which rods they were, but one set have reverse threads on them.

 

[ReaperSRX]

I thought of doing that but because the viper ones are all set up with the joints in place i thought i could just remove the old ones....so would this be the best way or i am missing something in trying to remove the bolt part of the hem............James

 

[maxdlx]

The inside thebolt is part of the heim. You just need to take the nut off and give it a wack. Maxdlx

 

[ReaperSRX]

Ok, i gave it a few whimpy hits a little afraid of breaking something, then i thought i would check out what TYers thought, ok i will try tomorrow with a little more force and see what happens...........thanks.........James

 

[grapeape]

There have been a couple sleds that I have used 2 pry bars, 1 on each side to get them off. I suppose a pickle fork might work well too.

 

[2ooosrx]

The steering tie rod are all right hand treads on the inside and left hand out by the spindle. You will have to remove the top rod end on the bulk head, because the viper is different than the SX & SRX.

 

[ReaperSRX]

I have tried quite a few good "wacks" and nothing, i am afraid of bending that main piece that they all connect to, if it is true that i would have to change out that piece i think i will try to just to unthread them and thread on the viper ones............James

 

[BETHEVIPER]

if you hit the edge of the bell crank where the hole for the tierod is with a hard, sharp blow a few times it will warp the hole and the rod end will fall out, leave the nut spun on a bit so if you miss you wont damage threads.

as for viper rods on the other sleds, you will need to take the upper rod inner end out. the viper rod has a rubber bushing and is wider than where you are installing it. you will need to grind down so it will fit in. keep cooling it down so you dont burn the rubber. leave the outer a little smaller than the inner so it can move on the rubber.