I replaced the tierod ends on my 51 3600 a few months back with new style ends from LMC. The originals were shot plus I had a clearance issue with the 1996 3/4 tom Chevy wheels I am running. I thought the new ends would give me more clearance, but after the change I still need to use 1/4" spacers on the front. To remove the old used a $10 tie rod separator from Discount Auto parts, If I remember correctly, I had to slide a large open end wrench under the ball stud to close the gap so the tierod tool would work.
Good Luck
