I don't consider this an argument, after all, you're not my wive.
The dimensions of the tool used are, 47 mm outside & 26 mm inside.
When I removed the tierod, it allowed the hub to " flop " around more, giving a little more freedom of movement.
I remember using the seperator tool only to push the balljoint out of the vertical part.
The splashshield clearance was tight, but the tool itself still fit .