steering links

[VXorado]

You don't need to remove the steering linkage to drop the differential. I know the guides say you do but you can get the diff brackets in & out with the steering linkage on. I did a 2" diff drop last month and worked around the steering linkage. Good luck, the whole project was a pita but worth it.

[LittleBeast]

The 2 posts above mine are both correct!

To get the steering center link and/or tie rods loose you WILL need a puller. I would suggest a 3 arm puller like this one:


http://www.amazon.com/OTC-OTC465-Thr.../dp/B002RCNKMO
Only $40 at amazon and it will save you hours and hours of frustration/cursing/bruised knuckles and hammering with a 5lb hammer. Even once the puller is on the joints and torqued down almost as much as it will go, you will still need a few nice hits with the hammer, but the puller does its job and releases the joint very easily once you know what you are doing.

But just as already stated you do not absolutely need to remove all of the center link. I myself just loosened the idle arm side and left the steering box connection in tact, but before I bought a very nice puller I totally ruined the center steering link and had to buy a new one off of Amazon.com for $100. Good luck!

[Marlin]

You don't need to remove the steering linkage to drop the differential. I know the guides say you do but you can get the diff brackets in & out with the steering linkage on. I did a 2" diff drop last month and worked around the steering linkage. Good luck, the whole project was a pita but worth it.

X2!!!!!!! I never broke the steering out of the truck either, just shifted the diff around and turned the steering wheel as needed.