K-member replacement??

[oxytousc]

Hey all...new mopar guy here...just picked up a '73 Satellite...going to be my first mopar project - totally psyched!

So the dreaded previous owner failed to lube the front chassis and had some jack as# tow it after the spindles failed and the tow company broke the welds on the k-member. I am going to replace it, but my question is, how hard is the job? I have access to a crane, press, etc...and a fair amount of stick-to-itness.

Can anyone advise on how bad the swap is and if there are any major things I need to be aware of?? Thanks in advance.

 

[oxytousc]

Also, would someone be so kind as to tell me what k-members will fit a 73 satellite?

 

[74sundance]

Hey it kinda sucks..ha ha... Here's a link to my car,I have a bunch of pic's of the K-frame coming out.Look around it might help.

The # 1 thing to do is to soak every thing down with a good penetrating lube the night before you rip it apart mainly the 4 big bolts that hold the K-frame to the unibody.
#2 measure the height of the car before you undo the torsion bars because you will need to crank them back up to the same height.
Other than that make sure you have lots of time and a good dry place to work on the car,might aswell paint it all up nice before it go's back in

 

[74sundance]

Also, would someone be so kind as to tell me what k-members will fit a 73 satellite?

They only made them that way for 1973-1974 but you can get them out of Satellites/Sebring/Sundances,Gtx,Roadrunner and I think the Charger is the same....But keep in mind the big block and small block K-frames are not the same.

 

[oxytousc]

They only made them that way for 1973-1974 but you can get them out of Satellites/Sebring/Sundances,Gtx,Roadrunner and I think the Charger is the same....But keep in mind the big block and small block K-frames are not the same.

Thanks Sundance...any recommendations on finding one? Still trying to learn all the mopar resources.

 

[Revhendo]

Major resources? In SoCal? (I'm looking for my funny button....) Seriously, there are a few in the area. I know of a guy up in the Hollywood area and on down in Dago. I don't have the numbers with me, they're on my desk at work. I will pm them to you tomorrow if I can remember to find them.

 

[Revhendo]

Doh! I also have pics of when I dropped mine out around here somewhere when I did my 440/4spd swap.

 

[oxytousc]

Major resources? In SoCal? (I'm looking for my funny button....) Seriously, there are a few in the area. I know of a guy up in the Hollywood area and on down in Dago. I don't have the numbers with me, they're on my desk at work. I will pm them to you tomorrow if I can remember to find them.

That would be great..thanks!!!

 

[Revhendo]

That would be great..thanks!!!

I'll staple a note to my dogs forhead, no worries.

 

[74sundance]

I'll staple a note to my dogs forhead, no worries.

AH ha ha thats so mean and yet funny

 

[oxytousc]

Also, do I have to pull the motor and trans to swap the k-member?

I got a line on one near me, guy is asking $250...is that a fair price?

 

[Revhendo]

Also, do I have to pull the motor and trans to swap the k-member?

I got a line on one near me, guy is asking $250...is that a fair price?

I didn't get a shot at my office today, got stuck in the back shop. I will get it tomorrow. Couldn't get the dog to stand still for the stapler.......

 

[oxytousc]

I didn't get a shot at my office today, got stuck in the back shop. I will get it tomorrow. Couldn't get the dog to stand still for the stapler.......

Ha! Stupid dog...it only hurts for a minute :yes:

I actually found a guy with a k-member down here, $250...going to check it on Saturday. Would still love the numbers...no doubt there are going to be a TON of things I need.

 

[Revhendo]

Ha! Stupid dog...it only hurts for a minute :yes:

I actually found a guy with a k-member down here, $250...going to check it on Saturday. Would still love the numbers...no doubt there are going to be a TON of things I need.

You might want to check to see if Cordoba or Magnum K's would fit, also.
I don't know the answer to that one.....

 

[CtownChris]

Give a shout to the guys on
www.roadrunnernest.com

Strictly 71-74 Plymouth B's
Someone might have one there.

$250 seems kinda high. I paid $50 for my extra 71 K frame.

 

[oxytousc]

Give a shout to the guys on
www.roadrunnernest.com

Strictly 71-74 Plymouth B's
Someone might have one there.

$250 seems kinda high. I paid $50 for my extra 71 K frame.

Thanks...I'll check them out.

 

[oxytousc]

You might want to check to see if Cordoba or Magnum K's would fit, also.
I don't know the answer to that one.....

Thanks

 

[WileE]

It's a fairly easy job. Crank down the torsion bars first. You don't have to pull the engine, just hold it in place. Disconnect the lower arms & struts. I hold up the steering box from top (the hoist holding up the engine can be used for this). It's not as heavy then when you take the k-frame out. While measuring the height beforehand is Ok, there is a precise height measurement for the suspension, using the lower arm & pivot height difference (see alignment specs for this).

 

[Ralph Cali]

You can check the schumacher creative services web site, they specialize in engine swaps- they have a k frame indentification guide which shows the 73 k frame and measurements to make sure you are getting the one you want. Big blocks, small blocks and six cylinders are all different
Ralph