K-Memeber

[highspeeddirt]

Well, I need some opinions.......  I am in the process of rebuilding my front suspension.  Well, while having everything off, I got a better look at my K-memeber.  I had one person tell me I would never get it aligned right with it like this.  I am curious what ya'll think?  Will it be ok, should I weld it, or just replace the k-member all together?  Mopar parts are hard to come by around here, so if I HAD to do something, welding it would be my preferred method if practical?
     Thanks

[burdar]

The factory welding jobs were usually pretty sloppy.  Completely welding the K-member is a good upgrade.  Also look at the steering box welds.  Adding some gussetts to the steering box brackets would eliminate a lot of flex.  If your K-member is just separated, then you can weld it back together.  Make sure it's not bent though.

[wiging19]

The factory welding jobs were usually pretty sloppy.  Completely welding the K-member is a good upgrade.  Also look at the steering box welds.  Adding some gussetts to the steering box brackets would eliminate a lot of flex.  If your K-member is just separated, then you can weld it back together.  Make sure it's not bent though.

Many of my friends clean up the welding on their k-member so it can handle more horse power.  It can make a significant difference in handling if you have a stock setup.  It is especially important to improve the welding around the steering box welds.  It is common for welds after forty plus years to break so what your suggesting is very common.  Although if you K-member is bent things get more challenging.  I don't have experience in that area.

[brads70]

I try welding it if you have access to a welder, you have nothing no lose trying? If you have to pay someone to do it then I would look for a replacement. Look on firm feels site for some great pictures on there welded k-frames.

http://firmfeel.com/reinfkfram_e.htm

[highspeeddirt]

Thanks for the replies guys! I'll go ahead and weld it up. Replacing the steering box also, so I'll check that out as well. It doesn't look to be bent. I'll look at it a little closer. Any good reference points to measure?

[highspeeddirt]

Well, I welded the k-member back togrther whereit separated.  It may not look perfect, but I think it looks better.  I'm not making a trailer queen.  It's going to be driven.  My main concern it functionality.  I've got to get the steerig box off now and check that out.
Before and after.........