my k frame is lose in the front?!?!?

[Capt_Syko_420]

Hi all. I havent posted in a while but I have recently ran into a problem I've never encountered before. So my front brake pads went out and while changing them I decided to inspect all the front bushings. Then when I went to take it off jackstands I noticed the front K frame dropped about 1/2" from the body of the car. I did try adjusting bolts, but the are tight as can be. Are there bushings in there that are worn, or bolts stretch, or what? I did noticed pretty much all my mount/trans mounts are shot and I can admit I like power shifting from time to time. My concern is if doing so with those bad mounts could have busted something leading to the play in the k frame.....I have told you all I can think of to provide insight on my problem. Btw, the car is a 2002 Dodge Stratus coupe. 2.4L SOHC 4G64, 5-spd, 118k. Same thing mechanically as an 02 eclipse gs. HELP PLZ!

[Steveodotcom1]

You're bushings are most likely shot as well, power-shifting doesn't help, it's not a racecar, so stop thinking it is.

If you don't get the bushings replaced soon, it'll likely lead to other drivetrain problems and put wear on the car causing more problems down the road.

[Capt_Syko_420]

If I'm driving anything can be a racecar as u put it. Don't hate cuz ill line up anyday n show u how to drive ur whip. So now that we have addressed that....so there are bushings. That could be my 70 mph vibration, lane sway, and well just my cars overall instability at any speed.

[Bitter]

Yes, replace those bushings and go from there. They do wear out, I think someone makes harder urethane bushings or you can see if someone can turn some out of aluminum or steel on a lathe for you.

[Capt_Syko_420]

Any suggestions om brands or sources. I've spent bout 4 hrs looking. Are thet listed with a different name? I've found center crossmember bushing but not k frame... I was thinking bout stacking washers to tighten it up as a temp fix

[Bitter]

post a photo so we're sure what you're talking about.

[Steveodotcom1]

Originally Posted by Capt_Syko_420

If I'm driving anything can be a racecar as u put it. Don't hate cuz ill line up anyday n show u how to drive ur whip. So now that we have addressed that....so there are bushings. That could be my 70 mph vibration, lane sway, and well just my cars overall instability at any speed.

You drive a 4cylnider shit box, I'm sure you're the best driver ever.

[Capt_Syko_420]

Only for mpgs. My last car was a 700 hp trans-am. $4/gas hurts with $3k a month n bills
Get 2 identical cars n lets line up. Til then shhhhhhh! I'm not concerned with my driving I'm concerned with my car. Any car can be built to perform. Lets get back on topic shall we...

[3g_bishi]

Originally Posted by Capt_Syko_420

Only for mpgs. My last car was a 700 hp trans-am. $4/gas hurts with $3k a month n bills
Get 2 identical cars n lets line up. Til then shhhhhhh! I'm not concerned with my driving I'm concerned with my car. Any car can be built to perform. Lets get back on topic shall we...

[Mattt]

There's a how to on urethane replacements.

[3gEclipse86]

Originally Posted by Capt_Syko_420

Only for mpgs. My last car was a 700 hp trans-am. $4/gas hurts with $3k a month n bills
Get 2 identical cars n lets line up. Til then shhhhhhh! I'm not concerned with my driving

[Bitter]

Originally Posted by Capt_Syko_420

Only for mpgs. My last car was a 700 hp trans-am. $4/gas hurts with $3k a month n bills
Get 2 identical cars n lets line up. Til then shhhhhhh! I'm not concerned with my driving I'm concerned with my car. Any car can be built to perform. Lets get back on topic shall we...

We don't give a shit you cocky little asshole. Keep up the cocky asshole attitude and all your threads will just get lumped together and tossed into Off-Topic and then you'll get no help and actually have to search for answers.

[chavezeclipse]

there are bushings there but that is most likely NOT causing your problems. sway bar endlinks, engine mounts, shocks, wheel bearings, could be any of that.

and "power shifting" is hard as balls on your clutch and trans mount. not to mention at the track doesn't really make you go any faster.

[Capt_Syko_420]

Look I'm not the one who was talking smack. I was replying to it by making a point and trying to stay on subject. Get off your power trip and read the entire thread. I am simply trying to get help. I've cgecked all bushings and joints. Only driver side end lunks are no good. But that has no relevance to why my k frame has a 1/2 of play instead of being snug to the body or how to fix it. And as for actually searching I did that. I seen the urethane guidr both here and 2gstratus. I've spent hours searching and learned a lot along the way but not a damn thing on k frame bushings. Never had to deal with this repair. I assumed it bolted directly to the body. I'm not stupid and I'm not ignorant and I sure as hell didn't want to post to deal with bullshit that is completely irrelevant to this threads purpose. Frankly if you insist on talking shit at least say something helpful and relevant or save us both the time and hassle and just stfu and continue your aimless plundering in the forums please!

[Mattt]

Originally Posted by Bitter

post a photo so we're sure what you're talking about.

[raz_76]

First thing is first, if you're so concerned with your car as you put it, then stop driving it like an idiot. Power shifting is bad for you transmission and everything else. Second, you're a focking idiot. Stop acting like an idiot and people will help you.

[Bitter]

Originally Posted by Capt_Syko_420

Hi all. I havent posted in a while but I have recently ran into a problem I've never encountered before. So my front brake pads went out and while changing them I decided to inspect all the front bushings. Then when I went to take it off jackstands I noticed the front K frame dropped about 1/2" from the body of the car. I did try adjusting bolts, but the are tight as can be. Are there bushings in there that are worn, or bolts stretch, or what? I did noticed pretty much all my mount/trans mounts are shot and I can admit I like power shifting from time to time. My concern is if doing so with those bad mounts could have busted something leading to the play in the k frame.....I have told you all I can think of to provide insight on my problem. Btw, the car is a 2002 Dodge Stratus coupe. 2.4L SOHC 4G64, 5-spd, 118k. Same thing mechanically as an 02 eclipse gs. HELP PLZ!

Originally Posted by Steveodotcom1

You're bushings are most likely shot as well, power-shifting doesn't help, it's not a racecar, so stop thinking it is.

If you don't get the bushings replaced soon, it'll likely lead to other drivetrain problems and put wear on the car causing more problems down the road.

Originally Posted by Capt_Syko_420

If I'm driving anything can be a racecar as u put it. Don't hate cuz ill line up anyday n show u how to drive ur whip. So now that we have addressed that....so there are bushings. That could be my 70 mph vibration, lane sway, and well just my cars overall instability at any speed.

Originally Posted by Capt_Syko_420

Only for mpgs. My last car was a 700 hp trans-am. $4/gas hurts with $3k a month n bills
Get 2 identical cars n lets line up. Til then shhhhhhh! I'm not concerned with my driving I'm concerned with my car. Any car can be built to perform. Lets get back on topic shall we...

Originally Posted by Capt_Syko_420

Look I'm not the one who was talking smack. I was replying to it by making a point and trying to stay on subject. Get off your power trip and read the entire thread. I am simply trying to get help. I've cgecked all bushings and joints. Only driver side end lunks are no good. But that has no relevance to why my k frame has a 1/2 of play instead of being snug to the body or how to fix it. And as for actually searching I did that. I seen the urethane guidr both here and 2gstratus. I've spent hours searching and learned a lot along the way but not a damn thing on k frame bushings. Never had to deal with this repair. I assumed it bolted directly to the body. I'm not stupid and I'm not ignorant and I sure as hell didn't want to post to deal with bullshit that is completely irrelevant to this threads purpose. Frankly if you insist on talking shit at least say something helpful and relevant or save us both the time and hassle and just stfu and continue your aimless plundering in the forums please!

Uh no, you brought up driving like a fucking retarded jackass, jackass.


K frame, do you mean the rear engine cross member? Yes, that bolts to the car without bushings. If yours is loose either the bolts are loose or the captured nuts inside the frame are broken.

[Capt_Syko_420]

So i have decided to just ignore the negativity and proceed with an update. I didnt get to the dealer, however, I did look at the factory service manual on this site and in the front suspension diagram it is described as front crossmember. It looks like there are 4 bushings, which I assume is my problem. Any help locating them would be nice. I dunno if im just using bad keywords or what but Im not having much luck.

[Bitter]

Front cross member would be the member that runs from front to rear under the engine/trans and holds the front motor mount

Rear engine cross member would be the part at the rear of the engine bay that holds the steering rack

If it's the front cross member then there are bushings, if it's the rear it just bolts in. Typically a 'K frame' refers to the rear engine cross member that holds the steering rack because it's loosely K shaped on some cars.

Be clear which you're talking about.

[Capt_Syko_420]

Ok so I had the dealer look at it. My bushings are shot. As for clarification, the part that is lose is the k frame. But I guess in the world of mitsubishi, according to the fsm its labeled under front suspension labeled as crossmember. To use ur terminology it will be the front ssuspension rear engine crossmember. And btw nobody gave bostonhatcher any flak when he said he had to modify the front k crossmember and btw I would like to apoligize to anyone I offended during the course of this thread. I'm dealing with a lot of shit in my life and I've had little to no patience for any kind of anything. So for the record. Yes I drive like a jackass from time to time. And by powershift I meant spd shifting which isn't much better but regardless. I am an asshole. I can admit it. But it wasn't intentional. Hopefully in the not so distant future mr hatcher will have some competition...I'm going for first awd strat. A lot of ppl say it. I'm gonna do it. Funds r limited but I'm down to 2 options. Build it or get rid of it. Can someone write a how-to on building a rediculous car and not dying at the hand of ur significant other?

[Danielv2008]

The wise choice would be to fix it sell it and use the money as a down payment for something nicer. What point is there to throw money at this worthless car especially when "funds are limited?"

[jaloosk]

^ and doing something as major as an AWD swap without the support of your s/o is just asking - no BEGGING - for a divorce.

[Capt_Syko_420]

Let me break it down for ya. $500 invested in my strat. Driven it since may 2011. Only problems is I need maintenance. Funds are only limited at the moment due to being in the middle of moving from austin tx to corpus christi tx. I made about $5k a month and my wife is an RN making the same sometimes more. Plus I've got a settlement on the way from an accident. And I figure sell my car and buy a GTO or something equivalent would put me out more than building my car and I wouldn't have the pleasure of saying I've got the single most badass stratus coupe to ever hit the streets. And as for my s/o. She said she don't care as long as I put music, wheels, exhaust on her '03 E.B. expedition. So I'm good there. And if I play my cards right ill make money by doing my awd swap. How u ask....I drive a wrecker. I can get total loss cars for the cost of the storage bill and before the public even knows bout them. So...cheap donor cars. Get what I need and part it out. Buy a couple cheap 3g and put my drivetrain in the and flip them. I should at least break even.any how ill keep you posted and when I'm ready to start the build ill make a thread for it.

[Bitter]

Buy the GTO.

[chavezeclipse]

Originally Posted by Bitter

Buy the GTO.

i would

[Capt_Syko_420]

well if money works out right i might end up with the GTO to have a DD while i build the strat. Like i said, if im patient and do my shopping right, my conversion will damn near pay for itself. And besides, there are plenty of badass GTOs out there, how many AWD evo strats are there? So your telling me if you had the resources i have, and could do the conversion for very little money invested, you would still opt for a different ride? Especially considering the car was only $500 with 84k on the clock. hmmm sounds like a no brainer to me...but hey everyone is entitled to their opinion.

[Bitter]

Yes, I'd still go for a different vehicle. Real car or family sedan with 2 doors, seems like a no brainer to me.

[chavezeclipse]

Originally Posted by Bitter

Yes, I'd still go for a different vehicle. Real car or family sedan with 2 doors, seems like a no brainer to me.

just wait till he starts on the swap. its not bolt on, requires plenty of fabrication and takes a good deal of time to do. not to mention the key part (evo 8 tarnny without acd) is a pain in the dick to get a hold of. that is what kills most awd builds or puts them on hold for a very long time. those trannies used sell for $5k and most evo 9 mr guys buy them up since it is stronger than their stock 6 speed.

[Danielv2008]

Originally Posted by Bitter

Yes, I'd still go for a different vehicle. Real car or family sedan with 2 doors, seems like a no brainer to me.

Yeah no kidding. I don't understand the desire of people to make a POS go fast by sinking thousands of dollars into it that they will never get back.