Replacing the steering gear -- having issues with the pitman/drag link

[scargo02]

I've replaced a gear on my ex-'79 before -- and don't recall having this much trouble separating the pitman from the drag link.

The drag link is pretty loose so I'm not too concerned about saving it -- but so far I've tried using a pickle fork, a hammer, a small sledge, heat, PB blaster, swearing, etc all to no avail.

Unfortunately with the wheels pointing straight there's no way to get a puller on the joint.

Any tips/tricks?

[DaveIam]

jack up the front end, pull the left tire off, turn the steering wheel to move the ends so you can get better access to them. You can always try heating it up and using paraffin wax to loosen it up.

[scargo02]

Sorry, forgot to add that the front/left is up on a jack stand with the tire removed...I'll jack up the other side and turn the wheel so that I can get better access though.

[scargo02]

More heat and hammering got the job done!