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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
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Suspension Stock K member question?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Beau Granbois
  • Start date Start date Feb 20, 2013

Beau Granbois

Active Member
Oct 9, 2012
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NE Montana
Feb 20, 2013
#1
  • Feb 20, 2013
  • #1
I'm doing a 5.0 swap on a 2.3 lx. I was wondering if I'm going to need to get a V8 k member or if the stock 4 cyl k member will work? Also if I do need a V8 k member, will the k member out of a Mark VII work? I've got a complete donor Mark VII that I can tear apart if I need to. Thanks
 

RacEoHolic330

I like to dress like a pretty girl
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Mar 4, 2003
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Allentown, PA
Feb 20, 2013
#2
  • Feb 20, 2013
  • #2
The 87-93 4 cylinder and 8 cylinder K-members are the same. The 4 cylinder just has adapter plates for the motor mounts.
 

MFE92

10 Year Member
Aug 25, 2010
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Feb 20, 2013
#3
  • Feb 20, 2013
  • #3
4-cyl K-members are the same as pre-'88 V8 K-members in virtually every regard. But starting in '88, the V8 K-member A-arm mounting points moved one inch outboard. If you install a 4-cylinder K-member in an '88-up V8, the front track will end up an inch narrower and you'll lose a lot of negative camber, unless you also install SN95 A-arms. So it's not accurate to say that they're all the same.
 

RacEoHolic330

I like to dress like a pretty girl
15 Year Member
Mar 4, 2003
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Allentown, PA
Feb 20, 2013
#4
  • Feb 20, 2013
  • #4
Good to know MFE. Wasn't aware of the a-arm mounting differences.
 

Beau Granbois

Active Member
Oct 9, 2012
39
4
29
NE Montana
Feb 21, 2013
#5
  • Feb 21, 2013
  • #5
Ok, well the Mustang is a '90 4 cyl and the donor car is a '91 Mark VII. Will I have any problems putting the engine into the mustang? Structurally are the K members the same? Same strength? I was wanting to get a tubular K member for it, but its not really in my budget right now. Basically I'm wondering if I can get away with installing the V8 in the 4 cyl car without any issues? Thanks for the info guys
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,220
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Massachusetts
Feb 21, 2013
#6
  • Feb 21, 2013
  • #6
Beau Granbois said:
Ok, well the Mustang is a '90 4 cyl and the donor car is a '91 Mark VII. Will I have any problems putting the engine into the mustang? Structurally are the K members the same? Same strength? I was wanting to get a tubular K member for it, but its not really in my budget right now. Basically I'm wondering if I can get away with installing the V8 in the 4 cyl car without any issues? Thanks for the info guys
Click to expand...

I think what he was saying is that you can use the 4banger K-member as it. It will work. The issue with suspension geometry being off is when swapping K-members from one car to the other.

A 5.0 will bolt onto a 4-banger K-member. It's been done plenty of times.

You will need a new transmission crossmember though. Mark 7 wont work and the 4-banger one won't allow for dual exhaust. Sure you already knew that though
 

Beau Granbois

Active Member
Oct 9, 2012
39
4
29
NE Montana
Feb 21, 2013
#7
  • Feb 21, 2013
  • #7
Mustang5L5 said:
I think what he was saying is that you can use the 4banger K-member as it. It will work. The issue with suspension geometry being off is when swapping K-members from one car to the other.

A 5.0 will bolt onto a 4-banger K-member. It's been done plenty of times.

You will need a new transmission crossmember though. Mark 7 wont work and the 4-banger one won't allow for dual exhaust. Sure you already knew that though
Click to expand...

Dang 5L5, your pretty helpful. Yea, I knew about the crossmember. Already ordered a dbl hump from mustangs umlimited. I was just wondering about the k member. I've been reading that most aftermarket k members can actually weaken the front end. And I dont have the mooney right now to go with a mm or griggs. Just wanted to makes sure that I would be able to use the k member before I pull the 5.0. Thanks for all of your help. Im sure I'll be getting more knowledge from you. Oh, one more thing. Its off the subject but I new to the site and wanted to start a build thread. How do I go about doing that? Thanks again.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,220
17,902
224
Massachusetts
Feb 22, 2013
#8
  • Feb 22, 2013
  • #8
Beau Granbois said:
Oh, one more thing. Its off the subject but I new to the site and wanted to start a build thread. How do I go about doing that? Thanks again.
Click to expand...

You mean a Progress thread of your work?

Just start your own thread in "5.0 Talk" and keep adding to it. Once it gets mature you can have it added to the master thread of progress builds that is floating around on this site somewhere.
 
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