Print Page - Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Cad-T-Bird 500 on March 30, 2008, 10:51:41 AM

There's a lot of information on this forum about K-members and it got me confused.

Can someone just tell me what works and what to buy for a 1987 Turbo coupe. Going to make headers for the Cad-T-Bird and would like more room.

I don't care about motor mounts but it would be nice to keep the lower control arms and shocks. But if I have to go to coil overs I will.

Thanks

TED

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: HAVI on March 30, 2008, 12:00:47 PM

Ted, I've been pondering the same thing. The one that got most of my attention is the new universal K-member from AJE. I posted in the Stangnet forum, and got not one single reply. I will probably buy it, but not anytime soon.

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: tireshredder on April 04, 2008, 06:48:44 PM

I'm asking some questions too.

Bringing in some info (so you know I've used the "search" function)...

http://foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=16403&highlight=member+sn95

Quote from: Sduneman3;181947

I know I don't' want a 79'-93' mustang k member, because it's not as wide as my current k member, and I want to use SN95 control arms. So, do I want the 94'-95' - will it be the same width?

Quote from: Chuck W;181959

The 94-95 will have the closest width to your current set-up.

This thread is making me think that I would be better to go with a 94-95 Stang K member, but....

http://foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=9896&page=2&highlight=member+sn95

Quote from: Chuck W;120027

The 87-88 Tbird arms are the same length as the SN-95 (94-98) Mustangs.

The front track on the 83-88 Tbirds is the same.

On the 87-88 Tbirds (not 86), the control arm mounting points are moved inboard to compensate (I have an 87-88 Kmember I can measure the mounting points on), thus keeping the 58.1"-ish front track. The '94+ Mustangs have a 60" front track. We know that some of the increase comes from the spindles, but since it is a given fact that the front arms are the same as the 87-88TBird...where do you think the extra width comes from?

In his case, using the shorter Fox Mustang arms will help with what he needs (and it has been done by others).

Now I'm all confused. Seems to me that using 94-95 K/arms or Fox K/SN95 arms would increase the width. At least according to this thread. Anyone care to clarify? (Chuck?)

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Chuck W on April 04, 2008, 08:25:17 PM

If you use a Mustang K (Fox or SN-95) and SN-95 arms, you will wind up with a front track almost 2" wider than stock 87 TC (or any 83-88 Tbird for that matter such as your 88 sport).

If you are using a Mustang K-member, you will need to use the shorter Fox arms, or you may run into width issues unless you go with funky wheels.

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: tireshredder on April 04, 2008, 11:27:20 PM

Fox K with Fox arms, got it. Thanks!
Know of any good stock type arms, or are the FRPP M-3075-A basically it?

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Hillbilly Deluxe on April 04, 2008, 11:31:31 PM

Thanks Chuck you just saved me a big headache. I am fixing to order my K Member and arms from MM. If you hadn't posted this I would have bought the SN95 arms.

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Carpimp1987 on April 05, 2008, 02:36:56 AM

And i was thinking of using a UPR k-member on my T-bird what probelms might i have there chuck?

Okay has anyone on here used a Q1A K-memeber in a Cougar XR7? what probelms might i run into?

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: HAVI on April 05, 2008, 09:04:45 AM

I believe the QA1 moves the wheels forward in the wheelwell....someone may correct me on this, though.

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Chuck W on April 05, 2008, 09:48:54 AM

There are several threads with guys who have 87-88's and have swapped to an aftermarket Mustang K-member. Almost all have had to use the shorter Fox Mustang (or 83-86Tbird/Cougar) front arms.

If you want to be certain, measure across your control arm mounting bolts on your existing K-Member, then ask what ever "sales guy" what the measurement is for the one you are looking at. Then compare.

I can't say "yes" or "no" to every perceivable combination and be for certain it will fit.

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: the_intimidator03 on April 06, 2008, 03:08:59 AM

aye... good info think it should be stickied?

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Chuck W on April 06, 2008, 01:47:21 PM

As a point of reference, I have an "aftermarket" K-member built from a 94-95 K-member. The control arm mounting width measures 23.25" across the front and 30.25" across the back.

The Fox dimensions are 23.75" across the front and 31.125" across the back.

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: lakenheath24 on April 07, 2008, 08:02:47 PM

one day i will afford a Griggs Racing GR-40 system...one day. now where is that lottery ticket....

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Blackout on April 08, 2008, 12:48:41 AM

got one. I love it.

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Dogcharmer on April 08, 2008, 01:04:02 AM

FYI, there is a very good chance that using the shorter arms will limit the amount of negative camber you can run because of how much further inboard the spindle is mounted... Although running with more positive castor you dont need to run as much static negative camber so I guess there are some helpful trade off's there.

It's definitely something to think about. If I was re-do my set up I'd probably run the 3/4" longer arms with 8" wide wheels in front. I figure that might work because the 9" wheels fit fine with the short arms.

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Chuck W on April 08, 2008, 06:55:30 AM

I'd personally rather run less static neg camber and pick up more camber gain on turn (with more pos caster).

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Blackout on April 08, 2008, 01:47:36 PM

Just wondering here. I know that most of these setups (including my Griggs) move the wheels forward a bit. i have rubbing problems with stock size tires! Any fix for this??

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: lakenheath24 on April 08, 2008, 07:22:15 PM

a sawzall.:D

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Skunk on April 09, 2008, 01:13:00 PM

Here is a pic of my car with an 87 Fox K-memeber and TC control arms. Stock 225 tires would rub a little and stick out. The pic shows the tires I ended up running. 215/60/16 in front and 235/55/16 in back.

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Chuck W on April 09, 2008, 01:26:27 PM

Quote from: Skunk;213293

Here is a pic of my car with an 87 Fox K-memeber and TC control arms. Stock 225 tires would rub a little and stick out. The pic shows the tires I ended up running. 215/60/16 in front and 235/55/16 in back.

As in Fox Mustang?

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Skunk on April 09, 2008, 01:48:42 PM

Sorry Chuck I should have been more clear........Yes Fox Mustang K-member.

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: Blackout on April 09, 2008, 02:11:07 PM

Which is what my Griggs setup is.

I was hoping the the CC plates would help a bit, but at least they will allow me to get the camber correct so I don't wear off the outside edges of any more tires. :hick:

Title: Straight talk on Aftermarket K-members for 87 TC
Post by: seanamyers66 on April 11, 2008, 01:07:35 PM

I'm using an 87 Stang K-member on my 87 with my stock control
arms and they are fine. I 17x9 wheels with 245 tires the car is down 1 inch and have no tire rub except if i hit a dip on a turn at
speed.

Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: Cad-T-Bird 500 on March 30, 2008, 10:51:41 AM