Tubular K-member with stock suspension?

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black93lx

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May 21, 2001

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IL.

Mar 3, 2006

#1

• Mar 3, 2006

• #1

I've got a 91 LX that i'm doing some work to. I want to put a tubular K-Member in because mine has quite a bit of rust on it and I'm wondering if I can use the stock A-arms/springs with a tubular k-member? (I was looking at the one from Granatelli MS).......or do i also have to buy the tubular a-arms and get a coil over kit? if i need a coil over kit, can i use the existing shocks that i have? (i'm thinking not but thought i'd ask anyway).

thanks

 

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Daggar

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Jul 19, 2004

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#2

• Mar 3, 2006

• #2

There are tubular Ks out there that will make use of stock A-arms.

 

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86bluecobra

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Dec 20, 2004

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Mar 4, 2006

#3

• Mar 4, 2006

• #3

yes you can get em but contact the manufactures to make sure the k-member you are looking at will.

 

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criticman

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Sep 7, 2003

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Rome, GA

Mar 4, 2006

#4

• Mar 4, 2006

• #4

I know some companies do make tubular K-members that can use stock A-arms.

That being said, I know Maximum Motorsports specifically chose to require the use of tubular A-arms because of weight issues and proper fitment.

If you do get tubular A-arms, you CAN reuse your stock shocks. There are kits (Max. Motorsports, UPR, etc) that are coilover conversions and use the stock shocks.

 

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jerryD

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Mar 16, 2000

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Gladstone, MO

Mar 4, 2006

#5

• Mar 4, 2006

• #5

AJE has the option of a upper spring perch mount for $40. then you can use the stock arms and suspension setup.

 

onefstsnake

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Nov 25, 2005

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Northern VA

Mar 4, 2006

#6

• Mar 4, 2006

• #6

Dunno if this is true or not, but ive heard some tubular K members extend the wheel base.

This seems like it could pose a few problems.

 

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xherdlr

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May 19, 2003

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Mar 4, 2006

#7

• Mar 4, 2006

• #7

http://www.uprproducts.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=64

Heres the UPR kit that includes coilovers and tubular A arms....I used the coil overs with Tokico Blue shocks...I think the Bilstiens require a different type of coil over but the stock struts are the same as the Tokico's. I like my coil overs alot...Since you are asking about the use of stock A arms price must be an issue...The UPR kit is $699...You must use after market Caster Camber plates with Coil overs.This adds to the price. Maximum Motorsports makes one of the only Steel set of plates,which is stronger than the aluminum( more cost)..
Kelly

 

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criticman

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Rome, GA

Mar 4, 2006

#8

• Mar 4, 2006

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Yes, widens wheel-base...and often moves wheels forward too. It can limit tire size and cause rubbing. Always something to look into.

 

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jerryD

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Gladstone, MO

Mar 4, 2006

#9

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• #9

currently the HAL/QA1 will extend the wheelbase some, not sure if the max motors does or not. AJE, PA, UPR, D&D as far as i know, leave the wheelbase stock. QA1 also makes steel caster/camber plates as i am using them. i got em for like $150 or so.

 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician

Aug 8, 2003

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NJ

Mar 4, 2006

#10

• Mar 4, 2006

• #10

Qa1 will work.

I don't think the AJE will work with stock arms, they bolt in, in a different manner (i'm pretty sure). What you can do with them is use regular springs, but the lower arms with the perches are very expensive.
And they have No bushings, not exactly a good idea if you drive alot.

 

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93 331 GT

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Mar 5, 2006

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Jackson, NJ

Mar 6, 2006

#11

• Mar 6, 2006

• #11

I have a Granatelli motosports K-Member Kit, You will need A-arms and coil-over kit. Also, you need to find some good caster/camber plates(Like Steeda, which I have, Maximum Motorsports, UPR). When you remove the front springs, All the font end weight now rests on the strut tower an the top of the shock (Coil over). Beware of other companies c/c plates, as some are only intended to be used with the stock suspension-Lack of strength. I am using the stock struts untill my Lakewood 70/30's come in.

 

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cjnecessary

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Mar 13, 2006

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richmond,in

Mar 29, 2006

#12

• Mar 29, 2006

• #12

http://www.dndmotorsports.com/?page...27&PHPSESSID=a8d04520f6c6d9b37ab8cedfd8b9ee8b
d&d makes ine that will let you use the stock control arm and springs.