NEVER EVER EVER hammer on the threaded side of any suspension component ruining the threads...: When you take the nut off, thread it back on by hand a couple turns, then hammer the knuckle section that the tie rod is in.
x2 i been taught by a mater mechanic and i change ball joint and other things without getting dirty easy,u just gotta have the right tools and knowledge.
It kinda sucked though... I took the driver side apart and the axle pretty much fell apart, I was all like, WTF???? . Oh well... new axle later, all is well.