K-Frame Issue??? update!

[CUDA JAS]

SO, pulling apart the front suspension on my cuda, I think I found an issue with my K-frame.

Here are some pics of the pass side strut rod mounting home at the front of the frame.  Some of the pics are extreme close ups (sorry frame is still in the car)







From under the car



I sure looks like the hole is all screwed up.

Will this cause an issue with the front suspension?

Can I use this, or woudl I be better off replacign the K-frame.

Jason

[HP2]

That's not good.

The strut rods hold the lower control arm in triangulation so there is a pretty large amount of thrust loading on this area during braking. You certianly woudl not want a bushing pushing through that area.

You could work on it some to avoid replacing the entire K, but it certainly would be easier to simply unbolt it and bolt in a another one if you could source one cheap enough. If you want to do repairs, you could have the area flattened out and oversize area welded up with an insert that has the correct sized holes.

I would also recommned doing a close inspection of the lower control arm mounting area to ensure that it is not egged out or cracked.

[anlauto]

Jason....SCRAP that K frame.....Trust me.

It's not that big of a deal now that you're that far along. You can simply support the motor and steering box from above, undo the motor mounts, K Frame bolts, steering box bolts and drop it out.

[ChallengerHK]

I wonder if that's related to your UCA issue.

[CUDA JAS]

Jason....SCRAP that K frame.....Trust me.

It's not that big of a deal now that you're that far along. You can simply support the motor and steering box from above, undo the motor mounts, K Frame bolts, steering box bolts and drop it out.

Yep that is the way I am leaning...but I am worried about how to support the engine.

Looks liek I better start looking at the funny papers.

I wonder if that's related to your UCA issue.

I am betting that is one of the reasons that car just never felt quite right. 
 
Jason

[anlauto]

Supporting the engine is simple. Get a square pipe 2 X 2 , cut it to length so it will rest on the top of your inner fenders. Pad each end of the pipe and just place it across the engine bay. Rise the motor slightly and chain the motor to the pipe.

[jimynick]

What Alan said, but a 4x4 will work, too and it's cheaper. Och aye! If you need a hand, let me know. Ian

[anlauto]

Yep...several things with work....There is an actual tool for this that a lot of shops use when removing FWD transmissions. Maybe a local shop can spot you the correct tool ? Just have a new K Frame ready to go in, and it will be an afternoon job.

[CUDA JAS]

Thanks guys.

My plan will be to have a new K-frame already to go before pulling out the old one.

Jason

[anlauto]

If you are going to swap the K Frame...I would assemble it completely outside the car then put it back in place...but that's just me....I would also paint the K Frame a more manly colour like black   

[brads70]

I'd take the time to reweld up the replacement k frame and gusseted the steering box mounts too!

[wiging19]

I'd take the time to reweld up the replacement k frame and fussed the steering box mounts too!

This is a very good suggestion.  My steering box nuts were loose in the K frame and this made a big difference in how the car handled and felt.  The friends I have who have strengthen their K Frame with welds say it significantly improves the handling of their cars.

[CUDA JAS]

I'd take the time to reweld up the replacement k frame and fussed the steering box mounts too!

Yep, that is my plan.  I spent a few hours yesterday looking into what others have done to reenforce K-frames.

Jason

[brads70]

Yep, that is my plan.  I spent a few hours yesterday looking into what others have done to reenforce K-frames.

Jason

Some good pictures here....
http://www.firmfeel.com/reinfkfram_e.htm

[drewcrane]

I made some plates ,and welded it up on the car, my Kframe cracked during my V.P. trip,I realize your is in the strut rod area ,but the same thing needs to be done in both LCA and strut rod area,
 and  I had to have the car towed from Vail the steering became so loose the UCA was binding up pretty nasty