65 Strut Rods

[Lelo 500]

Can anyone tell me how to remove the (what I am calling) strut rods (the rods that connect the lower A arms to the front of the K member) on a 65 Coronet? I already have the nuts off of both ends. I have a feeling I'll have to take off the lower A arm but if I don't have to that would be great. The K member is off the car and I am trying to keep from completely disassembling it. One rod is bent and the other needs to come out to weld a crack in the K member.
Thanks

 

[lewtot184]

lower control has to be removed.

 

[moparsteve636]

X2

 

[Lelo 500]

OK. Then it comes out of the hole in the control arm? Ball joints and tie rods too? Or will I have enough wiggle room with just the arm loose?

 

[66Satellite47]

With a bent strut rod & crack in the K member, are you sure the K member is straight enough? Years ago we hit reverse going through the traps, slid the car sideways, stayed upright. Couldn't get the car aligned even after frame straightening. Replaced the K member & it came right in. Give yours a close inspection & see if a frame shop can check the measurements.

 

[Lelo 500]

With a bent strut rod & crack in the K member, are you sure the K member is straight enough? Years ago we hit reverse going through the traps, slid the car sideways, stayed upright. Couldn't get the car aligned even after frame straightening. Replaced the K member & it came right in. Give yours a close inspection & see if a frame shop can check the measurements.

I can only hope. I bought a parts car just for the front end. When unloading it we suggested to tie it to a tree and slowly pull away. He said that was a good idea but that he was going to "really give it the gas". Although I didn't think it was a good idea I figured he knew what he was doing. He gave it the gas and the front end came down with a smack on the trailer, then the ground. I think that is how it was damaged. But I have already invested a lot of time and money on it so unless it is just completely ruined I'm just going to stick with it. These 50 year old front ends are getting hard to come by.

 

[66Satellite47]

Good luck!

 

[Lelo 500]

K member repaired! It was also smashed where the bushing sat against the K on the strut rod. Now I need to see about straitening these strut rods. Turned out both rods are bent.

 

[PST]

I would suggest that you not try straightening the strut rods. You would be better off replacing them with either a good used pair or a new set. They are available in stock or adjustable in the aftermarket.

Thanks
James

 

[miller]

Yeah on replacing the rods.

Another evil thought is...there's a good chance ALL of the suspension parts need to be overhauled anyway. If you bust it all down, and rebuild it, at least you know for sure what you have.

 

[Lelo 500]

Yes. I am slowly starting to realize this.
I am working on rebuilding the brakes and bearings.
Does anyone have any experience with these?http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hal-52312/overview/
I have heard of people having to have this type to get there car properly aligned. But I am concerned about the fact that they are made from aluminum.

Yeah on replacing the rods.

Another evil thought is...there's a good chance ALL of the suspension parts need to be overhauled anyway. If you bust it all down, and rebuild it, at least you know for sure what you have.

 

[miller]

Almost $200 for strut rods, and aluminum to boot? Not for me, but that's your call. Depends on what your trying to do with the car. If it's for the street...go with stock rods.

K-frame should be a simple bolt on, as long as it's not bent too bad. Needs to be fairly straight, and it will line-up. There's plenty of adjusting in the suspension parts...except the lower control arms. Of course they need to be inline, and square with the frame.
Past that, just bushings, ball joints, and lining things up. And it being done right.

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Get a copy of the service manual, if you don't have one. It will give frame measurements, limits, and all the alignment info you need. If the K-frame is bent, it can be straightened, but it needs to be done right.