Trouble removing tie rods from ball

[J.R. Aiello]

Hi all,

I'm breaking down my 1930 Sport Coupe for frame off restoration. WHile working on the front end, I'm trying to remove the tie rod and drag link. I was only able to get the drag link off of the frame end, but not the other 3.

After removing the large slotted screws and the spring out of the ends of the tie rod and the drag link, I cannot get them off the balls. The rods move easily back and forth, so I'm not in the narrow end, but it won't come up and off.

I'm afraid of lifting the rod and trying to pop it off of the ball as I don't want to warp the socket edges. Everything I've read and seen says it should come off easily, even the Les Andrews book.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.