As with any performance product, there are some compromises to achieve bolt-on status. In the case of this system, wheel backspacing is limited, depending on tire size used. The following numbers allow approximately 1/4 inch of clearance between the rim and tie-rod end. With a 14-inch rim, a maximum 3 1/4-inch backspace is allowed. On a 15-inch rim, a maximum 3 3/4-inch backspace is allowed. And with a 17-inch rim, a maximum 5-inch backspace is allowed. Note, even though a 17-inch rim clears the tie-rod end entirely, with more than 5-inch backspacing, the rim will hit the tie rod at full lock in either direction. If wider, 17-inch rims are needed, an adjustable stop may be welded to the lower control arm to limit the turning radius. These figures are based on suspension clearance only.
When removing the K-frame, it's important that you do not leave the engine and trans in the car supported by ropes and wire. Remove everything and support the car with jackstands behind the front wheels. Since any Mopar manual will show how to remove the K-frame, we won't go in-depth with that aspect-we'll just show how to install the AlterKtion K-frame.
Install the jamb nut onto...
Install the jamb nut onto the tie rods, then install the ends into the couplers. Install the bolts that hold the tie-rod end to the steering arm. Install the bolt so the head of the bolt is against the tie-rod end.
Center the rack in its travel....
Center the rack in its travel. This is slightly less than two turns from either side. Position the steering wheel to its center position. Install the splined universal joint to the shaft coming out of the rack. The setscrew in the joint should tighten into the groove on the shaft. Remove the press-fit pin at the end of the steering shaft from the column. Install the smooth-bore universal joint to the steering column. Do not reinstall the pin yet. The supplied double D shaft is longer than required to allow for different chassis configurations such as manual or power steering.
With the column U-joint lined...
With the column U-joint lined up with the press-pin hole, measure the distance between the two joints. Approximately 7/8 inch of the shaft should fit inside the joints. Be sure the shaft does not stick through the joint or it may bind later. When you trial-fit the shaft, tighten the setscrew against the steering shaft to make a mark. Remove the shaft and drill a divot into the shaft. When the shaft is ready for final install, tighten the setscrew with red Loctite applied, and reinstall the press pin.
With the AlterKtion K-frame,...
With the AlterKtion K-frame, stock location engine mounts are usable. Schumacher Creative Services-built spool mounts (optional) allow a direct bolt-in for big-blocks, with small-block mounts coming soon.
Here is the finished kit installed...
Here is the finished kit installed on a '67 'Cuda with larger-than-stock wheels. With the AlterKtion kit, the total wheel travel achieved is 4.5 inches; minimum turning-radius is 12 feet, and the average antidive ratio is 42 percent. The hub-to-hub width is 61 inches with the Wilwood brakes. Stock-style econo-brakes make the hub-to-hub width 60 1/4 inches.
Our application used the Wilwood...
Our application used the Wilwood brake kit. We installed the rotors and calipers per the instructions.
As you can see, oil-pan clearance...
As you can see, oil-pan clearance with the big-block installed is not an issue.