Well,
I started installing the new griggs k-member and found out it won't work directly...the back mounting points are different and there is interference with the body mounting point...no a big deal but not a direct fit.
Will post some pics to show you guys what i mean.
Here's a before shot showing where it will interfere:
(http://www.extreme-diy.com/images/thunderbird/k-member/right_before.jpg)
(http://www.extreme-diy.com/images/thunderbird/k-member/left_before.jpg)
Here's an after shot after a little grinder work:
(http://www.extreme-diy.com/images/thunderbird/k-member/right_modded.jpg)
(http://www.extreme-diy.com/images/thunderbird/k-member/left_modded.jpg)
I primered and spray painted the k-member again after this so there is no chance of rust hopefully.
This thing definately makes the front end look cleaner. I bought this k-member off ebay for $100.
Btw, i have a hint for removing the springs from the stock k-member: Undo the strut nut with a jack under the arm, lower the jack to the ground, then take a piece of 1/2" steel or a big prybar and pop the spring out of the bottom of the a-arm. At this point the spring compression is almost nothing, so you dont have to treat it like a bomb, but it likes to stick there.
Later,
aaron
Got the k-member in with a bit of cursing and fists of rage :P
Looks beautiful compared to those stock ones. Tons of room.
In conclusion, the griggs member (might be an early version...or my thunderbird is setup screwy)..will work with a little modification
Great info and pictures. :) I'm gonna swap in a tublar when I do my next motor swap.
FYI, it is fairly common knowledge the rear mounting points are slightly different on a T-bird vs a Mustang(at least I knew about it).