Is it typically really tough getting the tie rod ball joints out of the front spindles?

I haven't tried beating on them yet as I don't want to mushroom the thread ends. I only really want the steering rack out, so I may just try to undo the ends from the tie rods...

Does anybody have any advice for me? Do I have a bent tie rod end?

TIA
Eric.

 

To remove the outer tie rod, you first loosen the jam nut, take out the cotter pin and loosen the nut on the tie rod, dont take it out completely. Then take a nice size hammer and hit the spindle where the ball joint is for the tie rod. The nut is there just in case you miss so you wont hit the threads. it should come out pretty easily, you could also try a two jaw puller but the hammer tirck works pretty good. After the outer tie rods are out you can spin them off of the inner tie rods. Make sure to get you car aligned after you take out you rack.

 

Thanks, I ended up just undoing the tie rods from the end joints. The driver side rod end joint seems to have a 'notch' to it. I guess I need to price a pair of those too...