Spent some time with a pro volvo mechanic last week working in his shop. I was rebuilding the front end of a MG and asked him where the tie rod splitter was. He said he didn't use one, then came over and with a hammer, wacked hard on the the yoke where the tapered shaft of the tierod was held. The shaft popped right out. took 2 secs to do. He used a 5-7 lb brass mallet. It was pretty impressive, no thread or boot damage, and very fast. I warched him do this to some very rusty ball joints on 240 etc worked every time. I think it's one of those energy transfer situations where the momentum of the hammer distorts the yoke for an instant allowing the shaft out as a further dispersal of the energy. The shaft literally pops out, even if weighted and pressing from above. A little too late for me as now I have 2 different pullers for all my ball joint needs, but still this is faster and won't damage the boot.
--
Patrick, '68 220, '83 245, '92 Eurovan (work truck).