Which ball joint separator should I use?

[CinneaghTR]

Puller (top)?

Scissor (bottom)?

https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=79225

Moss tech support said I could go with either. They actually recommended the puller since it was cheaper by almost $20 even though they said the scissor was a bit easier to use.

What do you guys prefer? I am planning on replacing the ball joints on the 4A, but will need it for a 4, Spitfire, and GT6, too, so ease of use would trump cost.

Oh, if you have a better source for a ball joint tool, any recommendations in that area would be great, too.

Thanks!

 

[TR3driver]

I use the scissor type on tie rods & such, works well for me.
https://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-6985-tool-aid-61900.aspx

Never tried it, but I'm wondering if the other type you've shown would even fit in place to remove the upper ball joint on a TR. The forcing screw would have to fit in between the end of the BJ stud, and the center of the casting.

The "pickle fork" type works well on the BJ too, but I've not had much luck using it for tie rods on a TR.
https://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38649

 

[TR3driver]

Forgot to mention, with the scissor type, it's important not to use the tip of the curved jaw. The stud should rest on the curved part of the jaw, otherwise the jaw may break. In some cases the jaws are too far apart to work that way, so I lay a punch or other round piece of steel in place between the jaw & stud.

 

[TR4A_IRS]

Pickle Fork. Another good excuse to break out the BFH.

 

[TR6BILL]

Pickle Fork. Another good excuse to break out the BFH.

The old camel, bricks and water hole type works if your timing is perfect.

 

[Rhodyspit75]

I
The "pickle fork" type works well on the BJ too, but I've not had much luck using it for tie rods on a TR.
Don't laugh but a pair of needle nose vise grips are just right to separate the tie rod ends on a TR. Just use them as you would a fork.

 

[HerronScott]

I have used the puller type on tie rods for all my cars (British or otherwise) for yers and think it works great there. For ball joints it's been the traditional "pickle fork" type.

Scott

 

[Mark Jones]

I've used the puller type with good success. I've also used two hammers.