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I've never had a special tool to separate tie rods or the center link ends from the idler arm or steering box. I use a medium weight hammer (the flat end of a ball peen hammer for maneuverability). I loosen the nuts a lot but leave them on, and then pound on the END of the idler arm or steering box arm, while pulling down on the steering rod. Eventually it just pops and drops down, but is retained by the nut. It's easiest on a lift, as it is difficult to get a good swing directly at the end of the arm due to the sheet metal at the front of the car. It takes some hard smacks to shock the taper loose. As you're replacing one of the center (drag) link ends, which afix to the front of idler/steering arms, you shouldn't have much of a problem.