Well tonight I'm going to make a start of removing the k-member. I'll take some photos. I may not get to the k-member tonight, as going to remove, wheels brakes, track rod ends, a-arms, shocks, springs etc...
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Renegades working with Beaulieu to put on this show on 16th June 2024. Renegades meeting at Rownhams Services to leave at 8.00am to convoy down to Beaulieu.
https://www.solent-renegades.co.uk/threads/beaulieu-custom-and-american-show-16th-june-2024.55909/
K-Member swap
- Thread starter TransAmDan
- Start date
AmericanThunder
Super Moderator
Pics all the way
Yep, I know the rules. The A-arm is in the garage already as was checking bolt sizes, and fixings to shocks. I'll fetch the rest from the loft after work. 4mins to go.
Car turned around, checking over new bits.
Car jacked up ready for wheels off. Dinner ready.
Car jacked up ready for wheels off. Dinner ready.
Removed the swivel bar thingy that holds the wheel hub.
Unscrewed top mount and bottom of shock and out came this bit.
Unscrewed top mount and bottom of shock and out came this bit.
Done the same the other side too.
Lower a arms are loosened ready for bolts to come out, steering rack in the way. When I lower the kmember the bolts will come out. That's a job for another day.
Fitted the strut brace, bolted it on. The plan is to use this and ratchet straps to hold the engine up while the kmember is removed. Gearbox mount will also be helping.
The very top of the strut is a place that the top arm hangs from. I need to reuse this plate. So I'll clean it up and POR15 treat it, along with the swivel bar thing that holds the wheel hub.
Reminds me on one of them whacker plates they use for tarmac.
Reminds me on one of them whacker plates they use for tarmac.
AmericanThunder
Super Moderator
Your doing exactly what I did, painting the top cradle and the upright sure makes them look good and POR15 is very tough too.
renchero
Well-known member
i hope it is as i used a lot of it on the ranchero the entire rear inner wing/ fenders are painted with it
Using the strut brace and a pair of ratchet straps the engine can be supported when the engine mounts go. That's it for tonight. More in the morning.
AmericanThunder
Super Moderator
Dan, I have concerns about using the strut tower brace to support the weight of the engine.
They are designed to resist movement between the strut towers through torsional twist. I don’t know if it’s strong enough to support a pure down-ward force??
Normally you would use a steel bar or even a wood beam of sufficient size (2x3” perhaps) across the top of the struts.
Perhaps you know of someone who has done it safely the way you plan? I don’t know it’s not strong enough, just voicing concerns.
They are designed to resist movement between the strut towers through torsional twist. I don’t know if it’s strong enough to support a pure down-ward force??
Normally you would use a steel bar or even a wood beam of sufficient size (2x3” perhaps) across the top of the struts.
Perhaps you know of someone who has done it safely the way you plan? I don’t know it’s not strong enough, just voicing concerns.
AmericanThunder
Super Moderator
And you do know that turning the steering wheel will allow those lower control arm bolts to be removed?
Ah yeah that would work. I wasn't too concerned as its all going to drop when I release the kmember.
Been checking my install instructions and bolts in the kit. All some simple enough to reassemble.
Been checking my install instructions and bolts in the kit. All some simple enough to reassemble.
AmericanThunder
Super Moderator
Yes, read those concerns, thanks for listing them,its good valid points. The bar does appear to be strong. I'll do some tests when I release the engine mount bolts. The straps are tight and the bar didn't flex at all. I will add some additional support underneath via blocks of wood as a secondary support for the weight.
Pile for the bin is getting bigger
Alternator had to come off for access to engine mounts.
AmericanThunder
Super Moderator
Sell it. There is always a market.
I have new standard stuff too. Was going to put them on until I later decided to do the whole lot.
This old stuff is rusty, it may clean up, probably more effort than it's worth.
