Hotchkis TVS with QA1 lower control arms
So, I'm bored, it's frigid out, and I've got my k-frame inside with QA1 lowers and a Hotchkis sway bar.
First, read instructions.
I initially bolted the frame brackets to the k-frame first, using the front hole for the original sway bar bracket, but it was clear the other hole did not line up, and if I just drilled it out, the sway bar would bind up in the bushings/brackets.
I'm skipping 3F for now as I have the QA1 lcas.
Bolt on the sway bar bushings, brackets, and frame mounts - done.
Lined up the front holes, 1 on each side.
A few issues, in my mind anyway.
The brackets do not sit flush against the k-frame for 2 reasons.
The factory weld seam at the edge, see pic with washer.
Also, when they bend the frame brackets the metal curls, or bunches up, at the corners, causing high spots, see pic.
So, the plan is to grind some clearance for the weld, it's more of an issue on one side, and grinding off the high spots at the corners.
Once they are flush and the bar is level to the k-frame, I think I'll bolt the front to the original hole, and weld them on.
The other triangle hole in the bracket is not even close to the other original hole, see pic. I'm not even going to bother trying to drill a round hole in a triangle, hole.
Last thing, granted the k-frame is upside down on the floor, and the brackets are not flush, but the end links appear to be off by 3/4 of an inch on both sides.
Once everything is back together, the k-frame is in, new sway bar brackets on, if I have to relocate the lca end link brackets, or weld on the ones they provide, or whatever, so be it.
So, I'm bored, it's frigid out, and I've got my k-frame inside with QA1 lowers and a Hotchkis sway bar.
First, read instructions.
I initially bolted the frame brackets to the k-frame first, using the front hole for the original sway bar bracket, but it was clear the other hole did not line up, and if I just drilled it out, the sway bar would bind up in the bushings/brackets.
I'm skipping 3F for now as I have the QA1 lcas.
Bolt on the sway bar bushings, brackets, and frame mounts - done.
Lined up the front holes, 1 on each side.
A few issues, in my mind anyway.
The brackets do not sit flush against the k-frame for 2 reasons.
The factory weld seam at the edge, see pic with washer.
Also, when they bend the frame brackets the metal curls, or bunches up, at the corners, causing high spots, see pic.
So, the plan is to grind some clearance for the weld, it's more of an issue on one side, and grinding off the high spots at the corners.
Once they are flush and the bar is level to the k-frame, I think I'll bolt the front to the original hole, and weld them on.
The other triangle hole in the bracket is not even close to the other original hole, see pic. I'm not even going to bother trying to drill a round hole in a triangle, hole.
Last thing, granted the k-frame is upside down on the floor, and the brackets are not flush, but the end links appear to be off by 3/4 of an inch on both sides.
Once everything is back together, the k-frame is in, new sway bar brackets on, if I have to relocate the lca end link brackets, or weld on the ones they provide, or whatever, so be it.