Idler Arm removal

Hope you can help. I am replacing the steering linkage and bushes on an '87 Iroc but can not get the idler arm off of the relay rod. Without using special tool J-24319-01...whatever that is, is there a trick to getting it off without damaging the seal?. Also in the manual it says about setting the relay rod height but does not elaborate. Any ideas?. Thanks.

I think that rod is threaded on the upper part...the pc. with 2 bolts in it to the frame. Are you replacing the idler too?

You can use a pickle fork on it...it may tear the seal up if its real old. Not sure if you could use one but there is a small tie rod end puller that looks like a little pitman arm puller. It may slip on there I'm not sure.....never tried it I always use a fork.

Yes I am replacing the idler arm. I have tried a fork but it did not move!. The hole on the idler arm is tapered and you are supposed to seat it with the infamous 'special tool' when you replace it. Thanks.

Never heard of that.....I just bolt it on.

I think that upper part is adjustable.....its threaded if I remember right.....just put it back where the old one was. Thats the only way I have ever done it. Never knew there was a special tool for it.......and I worked at the chevy dealer :o