A-arms and K members

[OleNatesOlds]

Two questions:
I've seen a pair of 64-72 B-body/70-74 E-body upper a-arms advertised as working for an a-body disc brake conversion. Is this true/possible? I thought only 73-76 a-body upper a-arms would work on, say, a 69 a-body.

And what models/years V8 K members will work in my 69 Dart to convert \6 to V8?

Thanks!

 

[mopardude318]

I'm almost positive that you CANNOT use B and E body upper A-arms...

Basically any V8 K-member from a 67-76 A-body would work...The best K-frames to use would be the 73' to '76 A-body, because it has the spool type motor mounts, and sway bar that passes through the K-frame. However, to use the '73-'76 K-frame, you will also have to use the center link, idler arm and pitman arm from the '73-'76 cars as well...

 

[C130 Chief]

B/E body arms will NOT work.

A body arms are A body arms, and you need to use A body arms on an A body. All A body lower control arms interchange. Later (73-76) A body upper control arms have the larger (B/E body) upper ball joint if disk equipped. These arms must be used with the later (73-76) spindles if converting to BBP disks on an earlier car. Aside from ball joint size, all A body upper arms are interchangeable.

ANY 67-76 V8 K-member will work, but make sure you use ALL of the steering linkage for that year K-member. 68-72 K-members would be "correct" for your application. I have one with 318 mounts I am getting ready to eBay. Shipping to TN would be brutal, but PM if interested.

 

[OleNatesOlds]

What do I have to do about the lower arms when switching? Just use the later ball joint and redrill the arm?

 

[2 Darts]

What do I have to do about the lower arms when switching? Just use the later ball joint and redrill the arm?

Assuming you're converting to BBP disk brakes, there is no change needed to the lower arm just for disk brakes. The larger BJ is only on the upper arm for 73-76 A-body disk brake car.

Schumacher makes /6 to LA or B/RB conversion kits that let you leave your existing K-member in place. If you want to change the K-member, here are your choices:

1. 67-72 LA V8 will allow 273-360 and use existing steering linkage and sway bar, if so equipped. Will need drop center center link if not already present. All use same passenger side engine mount. 273 & 318 use same driver side mount, 340 & 360 use same driver side mount.
2. 67-69 B/RB V-8 will allow 361-440 (except Hemi). Same center link issue. All engines use same mount for driver and passenger side. Sway bar will interchange with 67-72 K-members.
3. 68 Hemi The probability of finding one of these is next to nil, but they do exist. If you find one and the car attached to it has the letter O as the second character in the VIN, buy this car and sell the '69 Dart. Sway bar will interchange with 67-72 K-members.
4. 73-76 LA V8 will allow 273-360. Need to change idler. Same mount engine issues as 67-72 except this K-member uses a spool-type mount. Sway bar unique to this K-frame, will not interchange with others.