Re: Shimming the K-member
[Re: The Sphinx]
#1059330
08/22/11 12:05 PM
08/22/11 12:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 75,020 U.S.S.A.
JohnRR
I Win
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I Win
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 75,020
U.S.S.A.
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Quote:
Anybody ever put shims between the frame rails and the K-member to gain any under hood clearance? I just want to know what issues were involved, I'd like to drop mine 1/2" to gain space between my bell housing and firewall.
The 68 Hemi super stock A bodies used K frame spacers , I know they didn't do anything to the Torsion bar Xmember , but if you need clearance between the bellhousing and firewall how about applying a little
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Re: Shimming the K-member
[Re: The Sphinx]
#1059331
08/22/11 02:10 PM
08/22/11 02:10 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 799 Missouri
bb74swngr
mopar addict
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mopar addict
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 799
Missouri
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I have a 440 in my Dart with the Schumacher motor mounts. When I put the NOS plates on I needed a 1/4" more hood clearance. I put the 1/2" spacers between the frame and k-member with no problems at this point. No issues with TB's, exhaust, steering, fuel, throttle cable, trans cable, cruise cable, wiring, hoses, or anything else. My only concern was the fan shroud clearance and it turned out I had plenty. Check out the pic of the spacers I made. I countersank one side of the holes in case they came in contact with the bolt. I loosened all four bolts, took them out of one side only, pried the k-member down slightly, slid in the spacers, replaced the bolts but not completely tight. I then installed the other side the same way. Torqued all the bolts and good to go. Hope I didn't forget anything:)
BigBlock 74 Swinger
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Re: Shimming the K-member
[Re: The Sphinx]
#1059332
08/22/11 03:49 PM
08/22/11 03:49 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,281 West Coast, USA
jbc426
master
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master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,281
West Coast, USA
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What causing the engine & trans to sit up so high? I had a similar issue, but not quite so much. It turned out to be a bad set of Dynatech aftermarket interlocking motor mounts. They were warrantied and the replacements fit right and dropped the motor down to the stock position.
If you do shim the K-frame, be sure to check your driveline & pinon angle in relation to the crank/trans centerline.
Last edited by jbc426; 08/22/11 03:53 PM.
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda #'s 440-6(block in storage)currently 493" 6 pack, Shaker, 5 speed Passon, 4.10's 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 408 Magnum EFI with 4 speed automatic overdrive, 3800 stall lock-up converter and 4.30's (closest thing to an automatic 5 speed going)
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Re: Shimming the K-member
[Re: Kern Dog]
#1059335
08/23/11 01:33 AM
08/23/11 01:33 AM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 18,678 Fresno, CA
Jim_Lusk
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 18,678
Fresno, CA
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Quote:
Shimming the K member up is a bad idea. The self centering feature of the bolts is lost too. This "fix" is like buying a hat that is too small, then going to get your head shrunk to fit the hat.
The self-centering feature does NOT change....Think about it.....I would want longer bolts, though.
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Re: Shimming the K-member
[Re: bb74swngr]
#1059337
08/23/11 09:47 PM
08/23/11 09:47 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,922 new berlin wisconsin
Mr T2U
master
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master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,922
new berlin wisconsin
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m i have driven my 72 road runner, was 624 now 572 hemi with shumacher conversion mounts 50,000+ miles with 1/4" shims between the k member and the frame rails without significant problems. i have moog offset A arm bushings to get 3* positive caster, and i corrected the driveshaft angles before i drove it anywhere. the torsion bars slide in and out of there mounts without problems. the only problem i have is a mild bump steer on large bumps at speed, like potholes. i mostly drive highway miles, was daily driver for 8 years. if you plan on cornering you probably won't want shims.
perception is 90% of reality
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Re: Shimming the K-member
[Re: bb74swngr]
#1059338
08/23/11 09:50 PM
08/23/11 09:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,093 Benton, IL.
DaveRS23
Special needs idiot
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Special needs idiot
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,093
Benton, IL.
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Check the archives, this has been discussed here several times. And there are people that have never done it and say it is a bad idea.
But then there are a good number of us that have done it and had no insurmountable problems. On my current car, I had to let the steering column drop with the K, and had to shorten the tranny mount to keep the front joint from binding.
I have done this several times on several different cars. Each time there has been something or other that needed attention, but overall, no big deal.
Why not just try it? If issues come up that you cannot fix, just take the spacers back out.
Master, again and still
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