Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums  

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September 04, 2006, 10:06:28 PM

Hey Guys new to the forum. I have an 85 Turbocoupe w/ a 302 and I want to put a tubular k member in it. I have a ground pounder k member I was trying to install but the bolt holes don't seem to line up. Has anyone ran into this problem? I guess I can elongate the holes but I don't want anything to be out of alignment. I am also using the tubular A-arms. I have done a search and have seen a few comments about a k member section for reading but didn't find it. thanks for the help..

Uncleford

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Reply #1 – September 04, 2006, 10:10:31 PM

you will need to elongate the rear holes, and most likley shim the mountin points at the frame rails.

alignment of the k-member to the chassis cam be checked with careful measurement, a framing square, and a plumb bob.

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Reply #2 – September 04, 2006, 10:26:41 PM

Thanks for the reply Gumby, yeah I did notice that some shims may be needed. AAArrrgg, squaring more stuff up. Hmm, I guess I will find out tomorrow.

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Reply #3 – September 04, 2006, 10:52:13 PM

yeah the 2 rear holes need to be milled out a bit, and i think its a 3/8" spacer you need for the spring perch area. i used some flat stock i had laying around and cut to size, but it would be best to put something like aluminum in  there with the holes drilled out for it. one of these days i'll go to my local metal yard and get some.

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Reply #4 – September 04, 2006, 11:31:11 PM

Any K-member is going to need to be aligned/squared up (even a stock one), so the mods needed to adapt the Mustang one to the Tbird won't add any extra work in that respect.

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Reply #5 – September 05, 2006, 05:20:30 PM

Thanks for the tips, I should start working on this later this evening.

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Reply #6 – September 05, 2006, 05:40:45 PM

Hey guys have another question about the K member. What about the control arms? I am using the tubular GP ones from my 92 Mustang. I have been searching and trying to make sure the tires will stay in the same place. Looking at the brakes, rotors and spindles it looks like its all from a Mustang. (11inch?) I have a question about converting to rear disk brakes but will search some more before making another thread that prob been covered already. Thanks...

Uncleford

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Reply #7 – September 05, 2006, 06:16:10 PM

Well since you have an 85, it's the same as the Fox Mustang.  To verify that the wheels will wind up in close to the same spot, measure the control arm mounting holes on the Tbird Kmember and compare to the tubular one.

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Reply #8 – September 05, 2006, 11:34:59 PM

Yep, the A-arms are the same length. Now back to the K member. Looking at it again w/ my friend, I will have to slot the fwd bolts (strut tower) 1/4-1/2 inch and slide it towards the driver side. and then figure out why its so far off in the back. I think we got about an inch of difference between the two sides . I am worried if I slot it in too many places then when I lift the tires and stuff starts slamming back to the ground the engine will shift and I will start breaking parts.. , I really wanted this to work. Here is another thing. We measured from the tip of the mounting points for the pwr steering rack (where bushings slide over) to the lower radiator support. Perfect 17inches. It seems that the K member is tweaked but I worked great on my Mustang. Which K members is everyone else using?

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Reply #9 – September 05, 2006, 11:50:27 PM

rite now im running a stock mustang k member because thats what i had laying around. untill i feel the need to go tubular, i'll stick with the stock one. was your car ever in an accident? mine fit pretty desently when i put it up, say for the minor reaming and spacers. i hear alot of people having problems with aftermarket  k member installs in fox body tbirds and cougars. these cars seem to want to twist alot over time, iv had a couple friends that had it get to the point where there doors wouldnt shut anymore. maybe that could have something to do with it? or its just the company that made it?

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Reply #10 – September 06, 2006, 12:07:46 AM

Hey Nate, No I don't think it ever been in a wreck, I have owned it since '93 and my friend owned since 89 or 90. I am sure shes been tweeked her the years even though I do have subframes. It could be the company but it worked fine in the Mustang. I like the tubular because you have so much more access to everything. Also more room for a twin turbo set up!

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Reply #11 – September 20, 2006, 09:17:18 PM

I didnt know that they had to be squared, but now that I think about it, it makes perfect since.  Especially since I had to modify mine to get it in right.  Would someone mind explaining to me an easy way to do this?            Chuck W...............?????????

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Reply #12 – October 02, 2006, 04:28:24 PM

suscribing

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