k-member reinforcement

[n00blike]

Are there any kits for k-member reinforcement?
those tubular ones are way too expensive.

What are the problem spots on a k member?

-74 duster with mild360, 904 auto, PS, and plan on auto crossing.

 

[HawaiiDuster]

Check the pics of the firm feel site. You can see how they do theirs.

http://www.firmfeel.com/reinfkfram_a.htm

 

[69charger]

theres an article I remember from a Mopar Muscle(i think) issue that I have, talks about cleaning up and reinforcing your k member at home if you're interested I can raid my mags and see if I can find it?

 

[n00blike]

theres an article I remember from a Mopar Muscle(i think) issue that I have, talks about cleaning up and reinforcing your k member at home if you're interested I can raid my mags and see if I can find it?

yes please

 

[6T9 V-100]

Be sure to gusset the steering box mounting area well.

 

[Keith Mopar]

I think, as 6T9 said the steering box mounting area, and where the tubes are welded in the frame where the lower control arms bolts come through.

 

[69charger]

BAM! link to K-member modification!http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/mopp_0706_front_suspension_engine_cradle/index.html

 

[n00blike]

BAM! link to K-member modification!http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/mopp_0706_front_suspension_engine_cradle/index.html

nice link! thanks man!

 

[autoxcuda]

The Mopar Muscle article is about modifing a K-frame for a deep drag pan.

Here's the mods I did in 1998 to a 73-76 K-frame

You want to reweld around the lower control arm stud hole. And reweld the metal joins where the factory spot welded them. Also add some metal around the steering box support

 

[HawaiiDuster]

The link I posted to firm feel has pics from all angles of the reinforcements that they do. They also show the different k-members and also the areas that other members have posted about in this thread that should be reinforced.

 

[two_70darts]

those are looking like some nice street raceing k frames yummy:happy10:

 

[autoxcuda]

Some more pics I have of my setup.

The strap near the end near the ball joint isn't necessary. I would leave that out if I did it again.

 

[HawaiiDuster]

Looks good autoxcuda. Are you using the greasable lower pivot? Heres some of the parts that went on my Duster.

 

[two_70darts]

like those plates on the lower control arms have some have not used yet nicee:happy10:

 

[autoxcuda]

Looks good autoxcuda. Are you using the greasable lower pivot? Heres some of the parts that went on my Duster.

I just polished the old inner and outer sleeves. Lubed them up with that stick/snotty greast they have. Been ten years, 20K miles... No squeking.

They didn't have those greaseable deal in 1998. But I think I would use them now.

We had a discussion on reinforced LCA's on Moparts.com a couple of weeks ago. Ehrenburg piped in. His opinion was the rear plate/strap was a good idea (they did that factory in Australia) and the strap under the sway bar was OK too. Everything else was overkill and adding weight, he thought.

 

[n00blike]

Here's the mods I did in 1998 to a 73-76 K-frame

did you notice any change in the cars handling?

what other changes did you make at the time?

 

[autoxcuda]

did you notice any change in the cars handling?

what other changes did you make at the time?

Just the K-frame. I switched from a 68 style to a 73-76 style.

I didn't get any seat of the pants feel difference. I really takes a large change for that.

It's tough to get good measurements on anything like this. You'd need to run some timed soloms and skidpad tests then swap everthing same date.

I ran autocross from 93-97 with the 68 setup non reinforced.

 

[n00blike]

Just the K-frame. I switched from a 68 style to a 73-76 style.

I didn't get any seat of the pants feel difference. I really takes a large change for that.

It's tough to get good measurements on anything like this. You'd need to run some timed soloms and skidpad tests then swap everthing same date.

I ran autocross from 93-97 with the 68 setup non reinforced.

have you inspected it for cracks or anything? (not saying you are a bad welder or anything)

but cutting that much out looks a bit scary. Maybe it made it stronger?

 

[autoxcuda]

have you inspected it for cracks or anything? (not saying you are a bad welder or anything)

but cutting that much out looks a bit scary. Maybe it made it stronger?

I didn't cut anything out.

What picture are you refering too?? The two k-members next to each other are an early 68-72 and a 73-76. They are not identical

I know what to look for and I've been under my car many times since 1998 and everything is fine, no cracks.

 

[n00blike]

sorry i thought you had modified yours.

 

[autoxcuda]

sorry i thought you had modified yours.

Yes is modified with additional metal bracing and welding of spot welded parts.

This two k-members pictured next to each other is sort of confusing. They are different designs. No metal was removed from either one. The picture is supposed to show the additional metal I added under the steering box pad.

The one on the left is a 73-76. The one on the right is a 68-72. The large spool motor mount area sticking out of the left one is not present of the 68-72 bisquit motor mount setup.