Drag link for an SEL 6.9

[raueda1]

Can anybody comment on the removal procedure?  I was hoping to just get it out with a couple sharp, well placed hammer blows on the a punch centered on the depression on the spindle shaft.  Of course that didn't work and I don't want to mess up the threads.  MB manual section 46-550 says that a special MB puller (P/N 123 589 09 33 00) is needed.  I'm not keen on scouring the globe for that.  Are any generic pullers OK?  Thanks and cheers,

You will want to use a tie rod puller. You can usually rent for free from local parts store.
Sometime whacking REALLY hard the side of the part that the end goes in will knock them loose, but that rarely works for me.
Even with the puller be careful you can still mess the threaded end up.

https://www.harborfreight.com/tie-rod-and-pitman-arm-puller-63684.html

Wow.  Harbor freight promises that I'll be able to 'easily remove tie rods and pitman arms in seconds' !!  And for only US$16.-   I'll give it a shot.  Thanks.