Are all K-Members created equal?

[poindexternasty]

Hey all,

I hit a curb a little while ago and suspect I may have bent my K-Member. I am replacing the A-Arms w/ cobra control arms and am searching for a new K-Member should I need to swap it out.

My question is this:

Are all K-members created equal? You can tell me how GREAT they are but how about how BAD one is? Has anyone ever had a K-Member take a dump on them NOT from hitting something or breaking it yourself?

I am considering this unit from Summit:

QA1 Precision Products MU2TK - QA1 Mustang K-Members - summitracing.com

A LOT cheaper than a $699 MM unit.

Thanks!

 

[Tim2002GT]

I don't have any experience with any tubular k members, but FWIW, that is the k member that STEEDA sells. IMO, I don't think Steeda would sell it if it wasn't any good.

 

[SaleenGT2001]

all K members are not equal. you get what you pay for. MM is on of the best out.

 

[poindexternasty]

I have full faith in mm products but cannot afford their unit. Does anyone have a positive experience to share about a lower price k member

 

[SaleenGT2001]

UPR are good from what i've heard

 

[flstang65]

I have always had great luck with UPR stuff. I had the k member, control arms, coil over kit, bumpsteer kit, and 4 bolt c/c plates from them. I loved them and for the price I couldn't go wrong, especially being chrome molly. Installation was a breeze and the customer service was outstanding. The only thing is, I would save up for a better coil over set up. The UPR is ok, but you rase and lower the spring by hand and lock it in place with a set screw. I like using the nuts and a spanner wrench better myself (personal prefference). As far as the other brands, I don't think you would have a problem with any of them...just stay away from ANYTHING with the name Granatelli on it.

 

[poindexternasty]

I really don't want to do coilovers on the car. I just bought a set of cobra control arms that I intend to use. Is there an aftermarket k member that will let me use stock control arms?

 

[flstang65]

You can use the stock control arms on the UPR K Memeber.

 

[poindexternasty]

cool I will check it out

 

[poindexternasty]

so.i just called up and was informed I would have to convert to coilovers if I use their k member with the cobra a arms. The reason is there is no upper spring perch on their unit

 

[Mustang92]

You can use the stock control arms on the UPR K Memeber.

Only if you create your own spring locator for the top of the frame. Otherwise there is no perch for the spring to sit in.

I won't get into the back and forth bashing about K-members but I had a UPR setup on my 2000 for about 3 years worth of daily driving/racing. During that time I had two seperate incidences where I hit pot holes. One of those times the A arm hit the pavement and the only damage was scratches in the powder coating and another time the support for the A arm hit the ground and again just scratched the coating. I was pretty impressed how it held up to that kind of abuse.

Bill

 

[02nightmaregt]

I've also heard nothing but good things about the upr k-member kit. Thats the one i plan on getting when money allows. QA1 is a pretty reputable company too. I'm sure the MM piece is outstanding as well.

 

[flstang65]

sorry, i read it wrong. i thought he asked about control arms only. you can use the stock control arms but yes, you still need to use coil overs. sorry.

 

[poindexternasty]

Can I use ANY aftermarket K-Member and retain stock control arms?

 

[flstang65]

as far as i know, yes.

 

[poindexternasty]

I called steeds and they told me the. Qa1 k member will accept stock arms and have bolt on spring perches, wahoooo

 

[blubullett]

Why do you think your k member is bent? The bolt holes in the k member are oval so it will slide out of alingment sometimes. If you talk to a body shop they will tell you that you will bend your front subframe before you bend the k-member. I had that problem and it made my passenger side wheel sit a little farther back in the fender.

 

[poindexternasty]

I have bottomed out coming over a hill, striking the k member before. I also slid into a curb.

 

[poindexternasty]

bump

Anyone know an aftermarket k-member that will allow me to use stock control arms?

 

[LaserSVT]

All I have found is QA1 (Steeda) and AJE from Late Model Resto