63 k-member....what years will swap

[jabird]

I tried "search" but Im probably just not entering the question correctly.....what years k-member will swap out on a 1963 dodge polara. Will a 65 fit? I have a 1963 with a 6 cylinder k-frame and have found a 1965 v-8 but im unable to find out if its a bolt in

 

[Rick62]

Yes, 65 will work.

 

[moparsteve636]

Later model k members will also bolt in ! But it will move you engine/trans back about 2" (66-70)

 

[jabird]

Cool.... thanks

 

[Craven Moorhead]

I have a 68/69 in my 63 Polara providing 2" of engine set back from stock.

 

[Cranky]

You can also use a K frame from a 70-74 E body if you're looking to move the engine back. I always try to move my engine back in the chassis as it improves traction. Also, the 70 up K's use the newer style sway bar setup which I like better and are easier to find. Another plus is the newer K's use the updated idler arm mount.

 

[Bull1tt]

An E body k will change the steering box angle. I will say that if you are running an automatic transmission, it would be okay to deal with engine setback with a later K member. But a manual trans will require a lot more work in the clutch linkage and z bar configuration.

 

[MT_Mopar]

A dumb question: For the different year K members, the torsion bar lengths remain the same?

 

[ckessel]

No change on the bar length. Just the engine gets set back on the 66-72 units. Does not effect the front control arm locations. I'm using a 70 unit so that I get the double shear mount on the idler arm, running the sway bar through the k, moving engine back, more clearance around the p/s box. If you use an E body unit, you must use the center link too as the amount of drop in it helps out the clearance from the steering box mounting angle change. The 71/72 units were the same for B & E if I remember correctly. If you use one of those, get the center link too. I also made sure that I had the 70 center link for mine as its a little different than the 65. I have a thread farther in this section showing some photos of what I've done on the k so far.

 

[Rick62]

Just my opinion here but unless you plan to drag race your car changing to later K-member may be more trouble that it's worth. Moving the motor back of course moves the transmission back. If you plan to use a 62-65 cable shift transmission you may find the cables to be too short. You will also need to shorten your drive shaft. One big advantage with the later K-member is more fan clearance to the radiator which will give you some fan clutch options. If you already have a '65 k-member located that would be hands down the most simple solution.

 

[gdrill]

I am considering a newer K as well. Can anyone confirm whether the cables will in fact be too short? Trans cross member and drive shaft are no big deal as I have a '65 727 to go into my '62, but cables on the other hand could change the plan.

 

[383man]

I know putting a 66 to 70 K-frame in a 63 moves the eng back about 2 inches which will help getting weight over the rear wheels. But I will say I still use the stock K-frame as you can see how much room it gives you at the rear of the eng. And I have had no traction problems hooking up with my 63 as most of the time at any track it hooks good. I also like the extra room it gives you at the back of the eng. And be aware if you plan to run the crossram the 66 to 70 K-frame moves the eng back enough that you may have to bang a little dent in the firewall as I believe the 66 to 70 K-frame can cause the crossram intake to hit the firewall. Ron

 

[Rick62]

Oh yeah, I forgot. If you use the later K-member you also need to do something with the transmission mount/cross-member as the stock set-up will no longer work.