HELP! Oil pan removal

[hemidude426ci]

Gentlemen,

So I am removing my oilpan to install a more ground clearance friendly factory style pan on my new 'Cuda.  I got the pan off alright, but I am having difficulty with the steering arm that goes right under the pan and connects the tie rod ends, it will simply not come out. Any tips???

[Changin Gears]

Sounds like you are going to have to bite the bullet and drop the steering center link.  You can unbolt the idler arm, but need a puller for either end of the pitman arm.

[Tower Rat 95B]

 I think its called a Pickle Fork,  I bought one for the exact same job just put it between the two joints and a couple of good wacks with a mini sledge and it will seperate .........  those rubber grease cups will probley get torn and need to be replaced.........

[ntstlgl1970]

you can rent a pitman arm puller at most autozone stores, might be easier than taking a chance with a pickle fork....

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Out in the yard my guys usually can get'm apart just by giving it a couple of good wraps on the side. Therefore saving the boot. A pickle fork will tear the boots! 

[hemidude426ci]

So there's basically no way around it huh?

[NoMope Greg]

Nope.

[RabidScott]

So there's basically no way around it huh?

Have you tried lifting the engine up?

[Tower Rat 95B]

So there's basically no way around it huh?

 Its a piece a cake the tool is like 20 bucks and a few bucks more for the boots,  ya could probley even rent the tool for free at AZ or Advance.......

[Chryco Psycho]

there are also tool s for popping them apart with damaging the boots & I usually seperate them with 1/2 dozen hard raps with a heavy hammer