Tie rod end removal

[slo_k20]

After separating my struts from the tie rod ends, they are fried. I have new ones ready to go but am having a hell of a time getting the old ones off. I have read the lock nut needs to be broken first which is 21mm I think. So far I have had no luck with a big adjustable.

Does anyone have any specific techniques on how to remove the tie rod ends? This has been the suspension installation from hell...

[AttarixEp]

Put them back in the strut, don't bolt the nut on. Then loosen the jam nut which is 24mm. Pop out the tie rod and twist it right off.

[slo_k20]

Thanks for the input. My struts were already out of the car, so I ended up grabbing the tie rod with vice grips, heating up the lock nut with a propane torch, and breaking it loose with another pair of vice grips. Piece of cake.

[AttarixEp]

Heat and vice grips is always the best plan B