K-frame damage, how to address?

[funknut]

Hello -

I've disassembled my front suspension to replace bushings and shocks, and upgrade UCAs and strut rods.  In the process I've found damage to the k-frame and sway bar.  It looks like it's taken quite a good hit at some point over the years, and I'm wondering your opinions on next steps.  The spot that concerns me most is the strut rod attachment point, as it's not completely square and the strut rods I'm installing are the QA1s with the solid aluminum end.  No rubber bushing to conform to the distorted k-frame.

This looks like a point of impact:



And a couple side shots of the strut rod mount location.  It looks like it's about 1/4" to maybe 3/8" off.  I'm guessing the wheel or LCA caught something and pulled on the strut rod.







So, how should I address this?  I don't think the crumple in the first pic can be addressed without some serious surgery, but what's the best way to massage the strut rod mount back to square? 

Is this something that could be done with a frame puller?

Any ideas welcome.

[Dmichels]

yes you can beat it back into shape with a 1 inch rod about 18 inches long and a BFH from the backside. I did this myself after a hit a curb.

[Dino]

Regardless if you repair or replace (they're pretty cheap), you may want to consider welding the seams and adding the Firm Feel reinforcement kit. Firm Feel will do it for you or you can buy the $75 kit and install it yourself, which is what I did. http://www.firmfeel.com/b_body_mopar_k_frame_reinforcement.html
You can also make the pieces yourself, I jut didn't want the hassle so I just got the kit.   

[funknut]

Thanks fellas!

The more I think about it, I'm leaning towards replacing it if I can find a reasonably priced one nearby.  I already have all the front suspension off, so I think all that's left is to support the motor and disconnect the steering box from the column.

Any pro tips?  It seems the simplest way would be to loosen the motor mounts and raise the motor, support it from underneath with a combination of jack stands and wood blocks?  Then drop the k-frame, swap over the steering box and idler arm and install the new?

I thought about reinforcing the k-frame, but I don't have a welder (or the skills to go with it).  I know firm feel will do it for a fee, but maybe I can find a shop locally to do the same.  Dropping another $500+ isn't really in the budget right now, and I don't really want to have the car down for another month.

I think I'm happy to be getting all of this out of the way at once, but all I really wanted was to do a simple disc brake swap!   

[Dino]

You don't need to mess with the engine and k member to get the steering box out. Remove the steering link and drop the box from below. Unless of course you need to remove the k member for something else.

[lukedukem]

Thanks fellas!

The more I think about it, I'm leaning towards replacing it if I can find a reasonably priced one nearby.  I already have all the front suspension off, so I think all that's left is to support the motor and disconnect the steering box from the column.

Any pro tips?  It seems the simplest way would be to loosen the motor mounts and raise the motor, support it from underneath with a combination of jack stands and wood blocks?  Then drop the k-frame, swap over the steering box and idler arm and install the new?

I thought about reinforcing the k-frame, but I don't have a welder (or the skills to go with it).  I know firm feel will do it for a fee, but maybe I can find a shop locally to do the same.  Dropping another $500+ isn't really in the budget right now, and I don't really want to have the car down for another month.

I think I'm happy to be getting all of this out of the way at once, but all I really wanted was to do a simple disc brake swap!   

i was in the same spot as you couple of months ago, it turned into all new ball joints and suspension up front along with that disk brake swap. 
i wish i had spare one to send you, but i don't. 

Luke

[green69rt]

Here's one......

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CLEAN-383-440-K-FRAME-68-69-ROAD-RUNNER-CHARGER-SUPER-BEE-GTX-CORONET-R-T-MOPAR-/122002648711?hash=item1c67ecae87:g:lz0AAOSwY0lXTkg3&vxp=mtr