K-Frame replacement

[synoptica]

Hey guys,

Picked up a new K-Frame for the VK yesterday - the old one is bent where the radius rod attaches, been that way ever since I hit a gutter (totally destroyed almost every component of the LH suspension too, only springs and shocks survived).

Now I can mount it in a day in the backyard I've no doubt - but only have a reasonably small trolley jack.

Given it's gonna need to take most of the weight of the engine, is the replacement do-able with just the jack and 2x axle stands?

Cheers,
- Chris.

(for the record, here's the result of the gutter incident... note that the radius rod was ripped clean out of the control arm!)

[atrail308]

well, it looks like you definately gave the gutter a good whack!!! you'll need to support the engine to drop out your front crossmember, either with a engine brace, a crane or a block and tackle...

[synoptica]

Yeah... did a fair job of it. Cost me a bit to repair, including getting the strut tower beaten back into shape and re-welded in one section!

So you don't think a trolley jack and bricks/wood would support it?

(or at least, be appropriate support?)

[atrail308]

only if the engine was out... i've done a swap in the past, but pulled the engine out first, makes it a sh!tload easier... if you were to keep the engine in, you still need to support it somehow, by one of the ways i mentioned... if worst comes to worst, tie up the engine to a overhead beam or even tree branch (hey, i've seen worse) with a chain or seatbelt...

[synoptica]

Yeah - engine's gotta come out soon, but that's still a while off... I guess I can wait... though why wouldn't it work by supporting the front of the sump with a jack or bricks?

[atrail308]

i guess it would work like that, but if you knock it when you're pulling the k-frame out from under the car you'll know about it...