K-Frame Swap

[tcp710]

I just got a 73 k-frame to upgrade the disc brake setup and give me a sway bar.

It should bolt right in it with no problem to my 67 valiant

Just wondering if there are any things that i will have to change or modify to make it fit? Are the motor mounts the same?

Currently my car has a 70 smallblock v8 k frame.

 

[rumblefish360]

Everything is a bolt in except the motor mounts which should be the newer spool fail safe mounts, not the biscuit type thats there now.

 

[Jim Lusk]

Is it a V8 k-member? If so, you will need the correct spool mounts. If it's a /6 k-member you'll either need to make your own mounts or buy Schumacher. You need to use the steering gear on the 73 k-member with the 73 steering linkage or use a 68-72 idler arm with your existing gear and steering linkage.

 

[dgc333]

You need to use the steering gear on the 73 k-member with the 73 steering linkage or use a 68-72 idler arm with your existing gear and steering linkage.

What's the difference in a 68-72 idler arm and a 73 idler arm? When I did this swap the idler arm on the 73 k-member looked identical to the on in my 68 Barracuda.

tcp710 will need to change his idler arm because they mount differently to the k-member than the 68 + arm.

 

[rumblefish360]

Hummmmmm, things that make you go HUMMMMMMMMMMMMM

 

[Jim Lusk]

The idler arm changed in 1973. The stud points UP on a 68-72 and DOWN on a 73-76. Same with the pitman arm. This requires a different center link. In addition, the steering gear has a larger diameter output (although I have heard of a few that still had the small diameter, but the pitman arm is still not the same as the 67-72). 1967 ahd the oddball single-year idler arm.

 

[tcp710]

I have all the steering components from the 70 k frame and all the components from the 73 frame.

will I be able to use all the pieces from one? or will I have to mix and match?

 

[Jim Lusk]

Use all the pieces from one (everything between the inner tie rod ends).

 

[tcp710]

I think I may just leave the k frame I have, and just install the disc setup, rather than pulling the motor, etc.

The only reason i was going to change it was for the sway bar basically, and I can just put an aftermarket bar on.