Beefing up k-frame

[runningman]

I was looking at the firm feel site and noticed they sell a k-frame that has some areas that have been strengthened.  Has anyone done this?  What areas need to be worked on?  Skid plate necessary?

Matt

[62 Max]

My personal opinion is that it is just another part to market,The manufacturers original part seemed to be good enough for millions of vehicles for a hundred years.Other opinions may vary,but thats mine.

[Mike DC]

 
Yeah, they're good for millions of vehicles.  But not for a hundred years.



The orignals are showing up with cracks/tears at the LCA mounting tube on the more worn-out examples.  The LCA mounting tube has completely torn out (of the sidewall of the K-frame's rear leg) on a couple of worn examples that I've seen.  (And this is not just a rust issue; one of them was on a texas car with totally solid framerails.)

The steering box mount also flexes a good 1/4" side to side on a lot of cars.  Just inadequate attachment (and sloppy welds) of the mount area on the factory K-frame.  That translates directly to slop in the feel of the steering.

   

[The70RT]

Probably depends on how the vehicle is driven or gonna be driven. Mine was used for just 80K and looked fine. If you have a knack for abusive driving or a hard time keeping it between the ditches you could have a problem. I would keep the skid plate on. Entering parking lots and hitting those dips  . The factory just spot welded the seams. Some are welding a bead all the way around the seams. 

[62 Max]

 
Yeah, they're good for millions of vehicles.  But not for a hundred years.



The originals are showing up with cracks/tears at the LCA mounting tube on the more worn-out examples.  The LCA mounting tube has completely torn out (of the sidewall of the K-frame's rear leg) on a couple of worn examples that I've seen.  (And this is not just a rust issue; one of them was on a texas car with totally solid framerails.)

The steering box mount also flexes a good 1/4" side to side on a lot of cars.  Just inadequate attachment (and sloppy welds) of the mount area on the factory K-frame.  That translates directly to slop in the feel of the steering.

   

Based on quantity,still  a "very" small percent if even measurable..Nothing lasts forever.

[runningman]

I am going to replace my K-frame that is damaged with a different one so it wouldn't hurt to touch up the welds.  I don't currently have a skid plate.  I was thinking that putting one on the new one would help the rigidity of the k-frame somewhat as well.

[b5blue]

Hey there's a great article in Mopar Action covering all of this (April 09) it shows you what they do and why! If you want I'll copy it and mail it to ya! Just PM me....Neal (they have 3 issues covering all the steering but the K frame is in April)

[70daytonaclone]

can you send this story to me as well? thanks Stephen amxersize68@hotmail.com

[Charger-Bodie]

I usually just look them over REALLY close , and reweld anything that looks ify . Then Blast it ,paint it ,and go.

[b5blue]

Stephen I sent you a PM

[runningman]

I got a kit from Firm Feel to reinforce my k-frame.  The kit came with a skid plate, will I have any issues with an aftermarket sway bar if I add this??  Thanks

Matt

[b5blue]

Hey Matt I was just thinking about your project, my MoPar Chassis book shows how to check and adjust the idler arm angle like we were talking about earlier maybe pick one up and check it out...sway bar I would "mock up" first. Got photos? 

[Foreman72]

can you send this story to me as well? thanks Stephen amxersize68@hotmail.com

me as well if possible...canyouhearmenow724@yahoo.com

thanks

[runningman]

Hey Matt I was just thinking about your project, my MoPar Chassis book shows how to check and adjust the idler arm angle like we were talking about earlier maybe pick one up and check it out...sway bar I would "mock up" first. Got photos? 

Neal,

Here is a link to the firm feel site, you will find a pick of the skid plate on there.  I will look for one of those books, do you have a source for it?  I am gonna be out of town until tomorrow afternoon so I will check back in then.  Thanks

Matt

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

[b5blue]

Think Mancini had mine for 10 bucks (P5007160) (9th Edition) 

[autoxcuda]

If you have a K-member that not rusted out or beat up, a stock one will be fine for a stock type chassis build and stock size tires. I'd agree with 62 Max.

IF you've got some handling mods like big T-bars, wide low profile tires, shocks, brakes, sway bars,...

I did this in 1998

I have a picture of the cardboard mockup that is easier to see.

[b5blue]

I was just wondering if anyone ever "beefs up" the subframe area also?  (Around where the K frame mounts)