K Frame swap without engine removal

[SLE-881Participant SydneyDaily - 2012 VW Golf R Weekend - 1981 VH SL/E View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 81]

The power steering rack in my VH seems to be on its last legs and is leaking a little. Rather than replace it with another VH rack I was thinking about changing the K Frame to a VN one along with a VN power steering rack, pump and lines. This is so I have the K Frame ready for a future engine conversion.

 

Can the K Frame be replaced without removing the engine?

 

I was thinking by using something like this

Daniel
Instagram - @SLE881

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

^Gotta say never see that idea before.  I would have thought the sheet metal its sitting on there would be pretty flimsy and easily damaged on a Commie?

But using a portable crane to support the engine whilst you remove the K Frame I imagine would work.  But I guess you could also support under the the sump on blocks of wood, as long as you also took the weight of the car on stands?

[[TUFFVQ]Participant Melbourne1991 VQ 304 View build HERE Member since: March 2, 2015 Posts: 171]

Would definitely not support using the above method on a commodore – there is next to no structural capacity in that area.

Either use an engine crane (and be mindful of hydraulic bleed down) or use a solid packer on the ground.

Shouldn’t be too difficult in any case.

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

Yeah I dont think its strong enough could damage the car and ultimately be dangerous too.

 

 

Id suggest above mentioned method too

[TUFGMHParticipant SydneyVH SL/E & VK Calais LS1 View build HERE Member since: March 2, 2015 Posts: 96]

Always used crane as well. Just remember that the VN pump sits on the drivers side, right where your AC and Alternator are currently. If you are going VN heads with the engine upgrade then this will be no issue. It is alot easier to keep the alternator on the passenger side with VN heads as the VB-VL alternator bracket on VN heads causes the alternator to hit the first pipe.

[SLE-881Participant SydneyDaily - 2012 VW Golf R Weekend - 1981 VH SL/E View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 81]

Thanks guys.

I might just replace the power steering  rack for now and change everything over when I eventually do a 304/308 engine conversion.

 

Daniel
Instagram - @SLE881

[Anonymous View build HERE Member since: January 1, 1970 Posts: 0]

Wow nice bit of gear but totally overkill for the job, I made a simple brace while I was building the subframe for the Lexcen..

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

^nice work IJ, at least with your design its sitting on the tower that are designed to take the suspension loads.

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