Suspension

[dbdragracing]

I purchased my car in August 2005 and this winter I plan to start getting parts together and saving some money for Spring to get the body work done. I plan on doing the suspension 1st, but I have two questions:

1. What does a tubular K-member do and do I have to take the motor out to install it?

2. When should I install the battle boxes?

Thanks.

 

[blackcloud50]

I purchased my car in August 2005 and this winter I plan to start getting parts together and saving some money for Spring to get the body work done. I plan on doing the suspension 1st, but I have two questions:

1. What does a tubular K-member do and do I have to take the motor out to install it?

2. When should I install the battle boxes?

Thanks.

1. Benefits of tubular K-member is primarily weight savings and more clearance for long tube headers. Also some have improved geometry for steering/handling. You atleast have to hoist the motor up some to get the k-member out.

2. Battle boxes (torque box reinforcement) I would do when replacing rear control arms.

 

[Daggar]

Install the battle boxes at your first opportunity. They're always a good idea. Rick91GT (on these forums) makes a good set if you're looking for a source.

Tubular K-members reduce the front end weight, provide better geometry, and generally give more header clearance. Be careful of units that move the wheels forward. They can cause headaches.

 

[dbdragracing]

I guess I will wait until I do my rear control arms to get the battle boxes. I plan on using Rick for those.

Is the K-member something that really needs to be replaced or is the stock suitable? Thanks.

 

[blackcloud50]

Is the K-member something that really needs to be replaced or is the stock suitable? Thanks.

What are you ultimate plans for the car?

 

[Mavrick]

Tubular K member replaces the stock K member. It is lighter, and in most cases changes the grometry of the suspension (ie steering rack mounting point and position of front lower control arms). The motor mounts to the K member, im not sure whether or not you could install it with the motor in or not.

As for the battle boxes, for convenience you should install them when you get a decent set of rear lower control arms!

 

[dbdragracing]

I want to drag race my car and do a little cruising...it wont be a daily driver...I plan on building a 331 stroker motor with a supercharger, but that will prbably be a couple years....I want the suspension, body, tranny and interior done first. Thanks.

 

[blackcloud50]

I want to drag race my car and do a little cruising...it wont be a daily driver...I plan on building a 331 stroker motor with a supercharger, but that will prbably be a couple years....I want the suspension, body, tranny and interior done first. Thanks.

Drag racing warrants shedding weight and the k-member is definitely one way to shed alot....so to answer your question you should look into replacing the stock unit

 

[dbdragracing]

Also, what about lowering the car? Im guessing that is a no-no for drag racing. Do you have to use coil-overs for new k-members? Thanks.

 

[blackcloud50]

Also, what about lowering the car? Im guessing that is a no-no for drag racing. Do you have to use coil-overs for new k-members? Thanks.

Lowering the car generally can hurt. Those more into drag racing can sure answer you better. You do not need coil overs for a tubular k-member depending on which manufacturer you go with.

 

[dbdragracing]

What are the main part of the Fox Body suspension?

-upper front a-arms
-lower front a-arms
-k-member
-upper rear control arms
-lower rear control arms
-(2) shocks
-(2) struts
-(2) quad shocks
-(4) springs

Did I leave anything out? Im new to this and Im trying to get an understanding of my total suspension. Thanks for all the help!

 

[blackcloud50]

What are the main part of the Fox Body suspension?

-upper front a-arms
-lower front a-arms
-k-member
-upper rear control arms
-lower rear control arms
-(2) shocks
-(2) struts
-(2) quad shocks
-(4) springs

Did I leave anything out? Im new to this and Im trying to get an understanding of my total suspension. Thanks for all the help!

There are no upper control arms up front. Front and rear swaybars. Caster/camber plates for front. Subframe connectors.

 

[dbdragracing]

Thanks very much....that would explain why I was having such trouble finding upper control arms! Im going to be adding subframe connectors soon. Just to make sure im clear...the battleboxes do hold on the rear control arms? Thanks.

 

[Mavrick]

The battle boxes will reinforce your rear torque boxes, which is where the rear lower control arms bolt to the body (and where all the torque is transferred to the frame of the car, from the rear wheels).

 

[dbdragracing]

Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

[Euphoric306]

i thought torque boxes were where rear upper control arms mount to car?

in that care what are those called?

 

[90bronconate]

there are both upper and lower torque box reinforcements but the lowers are the most common

 

[jammer84_03]

a good idea i can give to you for a baseline besides reading here is getting a book called mustang performance 2 by hp books. it is a really good read on suspension setup, geometry and all the goos stuff. it doesnt give you the killer setup to kill the cometition, but it gives you a good clue on where to start. it come in handy for the lowering you were talking about and what it affects. its a cheap $15 investment that will go a long way.

 

[dbdragracing]

Thanks...I'll have to get that book!

 

[jammer84_03]

not a prob, once you read it though it makes you think it will be a daunting task. but dont worry, its all doable, and its all rather cheap unless you start buying the expensive parts. its all d.i.y and even gives you instructions on how to fab your own control arms, torque arm, and a couple of other things, enjoy