Strut rod reinforcement with adjustable rods
#3073667
09/02/22 07:56 PM
09/02/22 07:56 PM
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,169 clarks summit pa
73cuda340
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,169
clarks summit pa
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Has anybody thats running adjustable strut rods welded in support washers on the k member for the strut rods? I remember reading somewhere that someone said you can't reinforce the k member around the holes for the rods if you're running adjustable strut rods, but I can't seem to find the article. I'm looking to strengthen the k member and I've already welded in my own braces for the steering box mount and lower control arms. I just don't want to weld in the supports for the strut rods and run into a problem later when I'm trying to install them.
Last edited by 73cuda340; 09/02/22 07:57 PM.
1973 Cuda 528 all aluminum Hemi, 4 speed, 3.23 Sure-Grip,
(JA5) Silver Frost Metallic
1973 Challenger Rallye 340
1985 W150 Power Ram prospector
1986 Camaro IROC-Z 305 tpi
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Re: Strut rod reinforcement with adjustable rods
[Re: CKessel]
#3074043
09/03/22 09:53 PM
09/03/22 09:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,268 Omaha Ne
TJP
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,268
Omaha Ne
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Pictures? Easy, Click on circled area, select file to attach, find file on your system, click on it and wait for it to load. you a can add up to 4 per post with a limit on the size (it will tell you the limit)
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Re: Strut rod reinforcement with adjustable rods
[Re: 73cuda340]
#3074076
09/03/22 11:19 PM
09/03/22 11:19 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908 Nebraska
4406bbl
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
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Has anybody thats running adjustable strut rods welded in support washers on the k member for the strut rods? I remember reading somewhere that someone said you can't reinforce the k member around the holes for the rods if you're running adjustable strut rods, but I can't seem to find the article. I'm looking to strengthen the k member and I've already welded in my own braces for the steering box mount and lower control arms. I just don't want to weld in the supports for the strut rods and run into a problem later when I'm trying to install them. It would depend on what style adjustable rods you have, the ones that use stock strut bushings no problem, just shorten the front bushing the thickness of the washer that you weld to the frame. The firm feel rods will work, modified stock rods with shims for length work, some with a heim joint at the front may have issues. I would weld washers on the k-frame no question, see damage in that area all the time
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Re: Strut rod reinforcement with adjustable rods
[Re: 4406bbl]
#3074118
09/04/22 08:24 AM
09/04/22 08:24 AM
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,169 clarks summit pa
73cuda340
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,169
clarks summit pa
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I forgot to mention that I'm using the hotchkis rods with a heim joint.
1973 Cuda 528 all aluminum Hemi, 4 speed, 3.23 Sure-Grip,
(JA5) Silver Frost Metallic
1973 Challenger Rallye 340
1985 W150 Power Ram prospector
1986 Camaro IROC-Z 305 tpi
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Re: Strut rod reinforcement with adjustable rods
[Re: 73cuda340]
#3074139
09/04/22 10:40 AM
09/04/22 10:40 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908 Nebraska
4406bbl
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
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I forgot to mention that I'm using the hotchkis rods with a heim joint. It does not look like the stud is long enough to use another thick washer, it does have a big washer and thin bushings of its own so it should be fine, better than stock for sure.
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Re: Strut rod reinforcement with adjustable rods
[Re: CKessel]
#3074200
09/04/22 01:24 PM
09/04/22 01:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 667 Los Osos, Ca
CKessel
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 667
Los Osos, Ca
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More. Looks like it worked! Anyway. I used my Rotabroach unit to cut some holes for rosette welding on the vertical face, outside surface of the k plus on the topside. The reason for the topside welds is that I boxed in the backside of the pocket with some pieces I cut so top, bottom and sides are boxed in on the backside. From there I added the washer. Also the vertical face welds are to better attach the factory backside reinforcement. The car is not done yet, so I can't give you any feedback on results.
Last edited by CKessel; 09/04/22 01:33 PM.
Carl Kessel
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Re: Strut rod reinforcement with adjustable rods
[Re: CKessel]
#3074204
09/04/22 01:42 PM
09/04/22 01:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 667 Los Osos, Ca
CKessel
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 667
Los Osos, Ca
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Here are some shots of what else I did on the k. I added 120+ welds around the perimeter of the frame, factory was 30 or so. I used two different sized cutters on the idler arm bracket so I could get through the bracket and the first layer of the k so it would all get tied in together. I also added the skid plate. The topside of of the k still needs attention. Add some material to the steering box mount to solidify that area, trim off some excess material on the engine mount brackets etc. On the control arm areas, I cut material out so I could access the back side of the tubes to weld them. Put reinforcements on both sides of that area plus put the access windows back on.
Carl Kessel
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