7 replies to this topic

[LXCHEV]

Hi all,

 

I know there's plenty of threads here with great info on tackling bush replacement in K-frames (both frame to body and outriggers), with several different methods on offer.

 

It's time to refresh all bushes in my LX. I have history with my K-Frame - it's a tight fit and certainly not of of those ones that just falls into place.

 

I'm not setup to lift the car up (dropping out the K-Frame and engine together), so will need to go the old-school approach.

 

What I'm curious about is whether or not it's even worth attempting with the engine still in place (suspend it from the top with one of those cross beams) - or do I just need to bite the bullet and remove the engine and give myself proper access to everything.

 

Experiences?

[RallyRed]

Hi mate,
LJ not LX, but assuming similar?
Have done it both ways, but the beam
(complete with rags, carpet, cardboard) seems to work well.
I assume the V8 weighs a bit more though...
p.s. you get some nice fine control when lining up the engine mounts by adjusting the threaded rods too.

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Edited by RallyRed, 07 March 2022 - 09:08 AM.

[neglectedtorana]

I took mine out by supporting the engine on the sway bar bracket, made some brackets that bolted to the front of the engine and rested on the front mounted sway bar bracket.

My sway bar bracket is home made from 50x20mm box and goes all the way across so might be a bit stronger than the off the shelf one we commonly see (can't remember the brand name)

 

Once I lowered the k-frame out I put jack stands under my brackets so the sway bar was only holding the as the k-frame slid in and out on a trolley

I think you could make a similar setup with some box section between the bumper bar brackets

 

http://www.gmh-toran...d-thread/page-6

[Statler]

You can disconnect the steering knuckle , raise the body 2" & tap the K-frame top bolts out. 

When refitting the top bolts , punch them home with  a hammer & drift. 

[ozyozyozy]

Be mindful, i had this issue, when i supported the engine and dropped the x member, the weight of the engine flexed the chassis rails down, made it hard to bolt the x member back up.

[hawk]

It's not a fun exercise especially if it's a tight fit. I used Jack stands under the rails on my old UC and dropped the K frame just enough to do the bushes. I would recommend removing the lot to get it done personally.

If you still live around the Dandenong Ranges area I have an engine crane you can borrow if it helps in any way.

[rodomo]

I've seen pics of your car in action over the years Brett..............................undo the bolts and it'll fall out   

[LXCHEV]

Thanks for all the feedback (and also the kind offer of the engine crane loan Steve) - but I do have access to one in the family.

 

I hadn't considered knocking out the top k-frame bolts - but that's something worth considering. Failing that, I'm tempted to just rip the entire lot out and give everything a really thorough going over (full front-end freshen up, re-paint the engine etc).... (install blower?)...... no, can't let the snowball start again