[T3] Tie Rod Ends

[J. Jonik]

Trying to replace front left tie rod end; '71 T-3.   Have good-looking replacement for the whole tie rod (both ball ends good rubber etc).   Also have good replacement just for the bad end, at wheel side.

The inside tie rod end (under gas tank and etc) will not budge out of its hole...despite various tricks to knock tie rod end out of the hole in steering assembly.   So, on to just removing the wheel-side tie rod end.


But...after a LOT of Work finally loosening the tie rod end (at wheel side...with Liquid Wrench, propane flame, and breaker bar, vice grips, monkey wrench), the tie rod end will now turn, with much effort, one revolution out...only   That's it...it's not frozen in place...it turns...but Just that One Revolution.  All effort won't turn it any more.

Question is:  What is the deal with the inch or so long separation at end of the rod that holds the tie rod end?...which the clamp obviously tightens the tie rod end to the rod.  

  Is that split supposed to be somehow separated a little to get the tie rod end un-screwed?   If so...HOW?...and what possible tool will do that?

I very much hope to not have to take out the trunk and gas tank to get seriously to the inner tie rod end.