Dented k frame

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Greasyfingers

Greasyfingers

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My latest project, 64 dart wagon, has a pretty good size dent in the k member. The frame rails look good and it measures square. Anything I should be concerned about?

My barracuda has some scrapes and bruises, but nothing as bad as this.
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Jim Lusk said:
I'd probably replace it. It is likely fine, but your LCA pivot pin holes may have moved some.
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I always respect your opinion Jim. It is noted that it measures square. Of course, the measuring can be subjective too. Dodge was non too accurate from the get go hence, adjustable control arms.
 
If everything measures square it’s probably ok from a structural standpoint. Check the welds for cracks, but that goes for non-damaged K members too. If you can get decent alignment numbers, it should be fine. Obviously if you can’t get a good alignment then it’s time to replace it.

But even if you find the adjustment is all the way maxed out on one side and not the other to make the alignment work then it could be like Jim said and something is a little moved. If that was the case then I’d be looking for a new one.

Just replacing it isn’t necessarily a guarantee either though because there are lots of these 50+ year old parts that aren’t straight anymore. I’d rather run a K that’s dented and ugly that I know measures straight than buy something off the internet that looks good but might not be.
 
The 4 mounting corners of the K wouldn't show a bend until the K is unbolted and stress relieves. When you go to bolt it back in, one or more corners might have bolt holes misaligned.
The later model K that is cut away for a stabilizer bar through it has to be a bit weaker I think.
Your early closed K is solid as a rock. Its trouble spot is where the nuts for steering gear are welded. If those nuts break loose you have to cut access holes in the K to repair it.
 
I've heard that inverting the k-member and laying it on a really flat surface will tell you if the k-member is bent. If it wobbles, like a table with a short leg, it's definitely bent. Of course, you have to remove the k-member to test it like that.
 
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Jack up, hammer hammer, jack up some more, hammer hamner. Move the weld on plate if needed to bring out the low spots, jack, hammer, grind, fill and paint.

Mint . . .

☆☆☆☆☆
 
Of course ^^^^^ you are going to need some tie downs in your garage/shop floor to make this work.

For the more creative you can bury a 5' long rail road rail upside down level with your lawn, to use as a Jack Plate and Tie Down to get the job done.

People cement these RR rails into their garage floors for various weld on pulling operations. When done cut off pulling tabs and grind clean.

Will there is a way . . .
 
Hadn't thought of your method of pulling it back into shape.

The suspension and steering is pretty much junk. Putting it on my turn plates and checking the alignment probably won't tell me much.
 
replace it...with a V8 frame


or, if your keeping the slantie, run it
 
Greasyfingers said:
My latest project, 64 dart wagon, has a pretty good size dent in the k member. The frame rails look good and it measures square. Anything I should be concerned about?

My barracuda has some scrapes and bruises, but nothing as bad as this.
View attachment 1715735471
Click to expand...
If the front end is in proper alignment I would not worry about it
 
Greasyfingers said:
Hadn't thought of your method of pulling it back into shape.

The suspension and steering is pretty much junk. Putting it on my turn plates and checking the alignment probably won't tell me much.
Click to expand...

Can eye up the front wheels and tires when pointed straight ahead. If they are square to the world, not all bad.

If they are tipped out at the top, that is positive camber, if they are tipped in at the top that is negative camber.

If the dented K-member shortened the distance between the 2 lower control arms, that would in turn give you excessive toe in and positive camber.

If the the wheels are standing straight up you can double check your toe in with a tape measure so you end up with 1/8" toe-in at the front, allows for some wear in the tie rods too. Measure with all 4 wheels on the ground.

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Happy Motoring

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