67 Big Block K-frame Reinforcement
Putting up a few pics and questions.
I've searched and unfortunately unable to locate good info on bb.
Firm Feel website lists reinforcement kits for 62-76: Firmfeel Mopar Suspension and Steering
There is 1 picture each for 63-66, 68-72, and 73-76, and all appear to be small block.
No mention of big block, and the pics leave out 67, probably just a typo.
I called them and was informed they have a big block kit, it has 1 more piece than the small block kit which has 5, but didn't know what it was at the moment.
The 5 pieces are, 2 big washers for the lower control arms, 2 washers for the strut rods, 1 piece to box in where the steering box mounts.
6th piece for bb unknown.
I asked if the kit came with instructions or a diagram, they said no but they write on the pieces and there are illustrations on the website with all different angles.
I only found one page, 3 pics as mentioned above.
Although none of the pics apply to me, it's not rocket science.
I do believe the sb and bb k-frame might be different in how the steering box mount is welded on to the k-frame.
Reinforcement Kit
They said it includes 5 pieces, 1 extra for the bb.
If there are 4 washers, 1 steering piece, and the website lists 1 skid plate, that's 6 or 4 'pieces' depending on how you look at it.
What really comes in the sb kit?
What's the extra bb piece?
The 68-72 sb pic on their website, shows what appears to be a reinforcement on the front of the driver side engine mount.
Does the sb kit have the 6th piece, or is that factory?
LCA
My understanding is the washers to reinforce the LCA pivot holes go on the side the LCA comes in on, the rear, not on the nut side, the front.
I guess that makes sense as you want the full thread of the pin to stick out, but it makes no sense as the LCA tube is clearly welded to the k-frame at the rear, and not the front.
I've read on fabo that some cut the frame open to weld the front of the tube to the k-frame, which leads me to believe it's not welded from the factory.
Wouldn't one want to reinforce the front?
If so, what's the best method?
Strut Rods
My understanding is if you use an aftermarket strut rod, like QA1, you don't need, or can't have, the strut rod washer from the reinforcement kit welded on, is this correct?
Steering Mount
I haven't had success in locating good pics of the small block k-frame steering mount, but the sb and bb are clearly different here.
The bb steering mount appears to have much more support due to the placement of the engine mount. On mine, not only is it welded to the k-frame all over, there is a plate that supports the mount that is also welded to the back of the steering mount, see red arrow, and blue circle shows penetration of weld.
The second pic of the steering mount shows the plate again, red arrow, and the area where the piece from the kit goes, blue circle.
Does anyone know if I have the placement of the kit piece, blue circle, correct?
If so, I'm not seeing the benefit to adding it, at least on the bb k-frame.
Idler Arm Mount
Nothing to do with the reinforcement kit, but just to note, I thought I recalled some reinforcing this but couldn't find any examples.
It appears to have plenty of support and welds.
Personally, not going to change it to 68-up mount.
I know some 'fix' the factory welds if needed, and weld the seams as well.
I don't believe any of the existing welds are horrible, maybe not pretty, but nothing that needs attention. No cracks or bends, level, just dents on the bottom.
I don't like the LCA tubes hanging in the front, if that's the case, and I could see welding the seams.
Thank you to anyone who reads this book and provides feedback.
Putting up a few pics and questions.
I've searched and unfortunately unable to locate good info on bb.
Firm Feel website lists reinforcement kits for 62-76: Firmfeel Mopar Suspension and Steering
There is 1 picture each for 63-66, 68-72, and 73-76, and all appear to be small block.
No mention of big block, and the pics leave out 67, probably just a typo.
I called them and was informed they have a big block kit, it has 1 more piece than the small block kit which has 5, but didn't know what it was at the moment.
The 5 pieces are, 2 big washers for the lower control arms, 2 washers for the strut rods, 1 piece to box in where the steering box mounts.
6th piece for bb unknown.
I asked if the kit came with instructions or a diagram, they said no but they write on the pieces and there are illustrations on the website with all different angles.
I only found one page, 3 pics as mentioned above.
Although none of the pics apply to me, it's not rocket science.
I do believe the sb and bb k-frame might be different in how the steering box mount is welded on to the k-frame.
Reinforcement Kit
They said it includes 5 pieces, 1 extra for the bb.
If there are 4 washers, 1 steering piece, and the website lists 1 skid plate, that's 6 or 4 'pieces' depending on how you look at it.
What really comes in the sb kit?
What's the extra bb piece?
The 68-72 sb pic on their website, shows what appears to be a reinforcement on the front of the driver side engine mount.
Does the sb kit have the 6th piece, or is that factory?
LCA
My understanding is the washers to reinforce the LCA pivot holes go on the side the LCA comes in on, the rear, not on the nut side, the front.
I guess that makes sense as you want the full thread of the pin to stick out, but it makes no sense as the LCA tube is clearly welded to the k-frame at the rear, and not the front.
I've read on fabo that some cut the frame open to weld the front of the tube to the k-frame, which leads me to believe it's not welded from the factory.
Wouldn't one want to reinforce the front?
If so, what's the best method?
Strut Rods
My understanding is if you use an aftermarket strut rod, like QA1, you don't need, or can't have, the strut rod washer from the reinforcement kit welded on, is this correct?
Steering Mount
I haven't had success in locating good pics of the small block k-frame steering mount, but the sb and bb are clearly different here.
The bb steering mount appears to have much more support due to the placement of the engine mount. On mine, not only is it welded to the k-frame all over, there is a plate that supports the mount that is also welded to the back of the steering mount, see red arrow, and blue circle shows penetration of weld.
The second pic of the steering mount shows the plate again, red arrow, and the area where the piece from the kit goes, blue circle.
Does anyone know if I have the placement of the kit piece, blue circle, correct?
If so, I'm not seeing the benefit to adding it, at least on the bb k-frame.
Idler Arm Mount
Nothing to do with the reinforcement kit, but just to note, I thought I recalled some reinforcing this but couldn't find any examples.
It appears to have plenty of support and welds.
Personally, not going to change it to 68-up mount.
I know some 'fix' the factory welds if needed, and weld the seams as well.
I don't believe any of the existing welds are horrible, maybe not pretty, but nothing that needs attention. No cracks or bends, level, just dents on the bottom.
I don't like the LCA tubes hanging in the front, if that's the case, and I could see welding the seams.
Thank you to anyone who reads this book and provides feedback.