K Member Question...

[Lighthorseman]

I'm sure this has been asked before - I did try a search first, but couldn't dig anything up, so here goes.

I pulled my old 383 / auto combination out the top, and would like to install my 440 / 4-speed from the bottom by way of raising the engine/tranny combo up through the bottom on the K-Member. Is there a way to drop JUST the K-Member, leaving all the steering and brake bits still on the car? I'm not too comfortable messing with that stuff. I intend to swap out the torsion bars anyway, so that isn't a problem.

Can this be done, or do I need to suck it up and take the whole shebang out?

Thanks for any help!

 

[black64]

You would need to remove the drag link, strutrods, pitman arm, idler arm, and torsion bars and exhaust.

 

[dsd1967]

It's easier than you think. Pulling the torsion bars is about the hardest part of the process. Then you pull the 4 upper control arm cam bolts, pull the steering column out and the 4 K frame bolts. The steering box, all the steering linkage, spindles, upper control arms, strut rods and K frame will drop as a complete assembly.

Pulling the steering column is not very hard either. Take the bottom cover off the dash, remove the 3 bolts/nuts, remove the bolts at the firewall, disconnect the wiring harness. If a column shift, take the linkage off at the column in the engine compartment. Once you have done this, give a good yank and the top will pop off the coupler. Just don't lose the 3 pieces that come out of the coupler (2 powdered metal pieces and a stamped clip).

 

[Lighthorseman]

Thanks for the tips! I'm trying this in earnest tomorrow, so we'll see if I can do it!

 

[WileE]

If you're doing JUST the k-frame, you don't have to pull the steering column, or steering linkage, or exhaust, and you don't have to mess with the upper control arm either. Edit: sorry, just re-read your post, if you're dropping the body on the drivetrain/cradle, then you'll have to take out the steering linkage obviously.