Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit (Read 7012 times) previous topic - next topic

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Does anybody know if this will bolt up to my '88 H.O. Swapped T-Bird?
I have found more and more differences between this Bird and my Fox Mustang.
http://www.sinistermustang.com/upr-2005-79sk-100.html
If not, does anybody know about a coilover kit, or something similar that would work on my car?

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #1 –
Should work. The only big difference between a 79-93 Mustang K-member and an 86-88 Thunderbird/Cougar K-member is the engine mounts. A Mustang K-member is a bolt in swap.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #2 –
You may have to put a 3/8"-1/2" spacer between the upper mount and the body to keep the k member parallel with the rails. I have a stock 2003 mustang k member in my 85 tbird and it took 3/8". Other sources claim 1/2".

This is part of a message from Jack Hidley at Maximum motor sports to me regarding my project.

Quote
To install a Mustang k-member in a T-bird you will need to install spacers between the upper frame rail and the k-member. These are available in the kit linked below:


http://www.maximummotorsports.com/K-Member-Spacer-Kit-12-thick-P1268.aspx

The kit includes spacers for both the upper and lower mounts, for installing the mustang k member in a tbird or cougar you would not use the lower spacers.

I made my own from some 3/8 steel plate. - Joe

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #3 –
Almost a bolt in. You need a spacer close to 3/8" thick on both sides for the 4 top/front bolts, then you'll need to elongate the 2 rear holes on each side forward close to an 1/2". Then you'll need to trim the tabs where those rear holes are enough for the k member to sit flat.




LOL  Joe, you beat me to it :-D


86' T/C 4.6L DOHC
16' Chebby Cruze 1.4L Turbo
17’ Peterbilt 389 600hp 1850ftlb Trq 18spd

[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

“Heavy Metal Mistress”
[/COLOR][/SIZE]

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #4 –
This is just a guess, but you may not have to elongate the 2 rear holes on the lower mounts or trim the tabs if the k member is meant for a 79-93. The 94-04 k member 1badbird and I used this was needed.

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #5 –
Awesome. Sweet. Now I just need the funds. lol

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #6 –
So wait. Does that mean that I need the 94-04 or modify the 79-93? Is the control arm length a factor? Im a little confused.

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #7 –
why are these k member motor mount plantforms at a 45deg angle?

does these Kmembers require you to use truck mounts instead?>

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #8 –
You will need the A-Arms for the SN95
87 TC
HO Swap, T5 Swap, Mach Springs, CHE Upper and Lower control arms, Mach Chin spoiler, soon to be Procharged.

:evilgrin: Nitrous is like a hot chick with an STD you want to hit it but are scared of the consequences. :evilgrin:

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #9 –
Quote from: jcassity;441213
why are these k member motor mount plantforms at a 45deg angle?

does these Kmembers require you to use truck mounts instead?>

Mustangs use a 45* motor mount with a stud that drops into the slot on the k-member.

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #10 –
Quote
Hot-Rodder1


So wait. Does that mean that I need the 94-04 or modify the 79-93? Is the control arm length a factor? Im a little confused.


The 79-93 k member should be your best choice with a 5.0.

On the 94-04 k member the lower mounting holes need to be relocated forward and the mounts trimmed off. Not positive, but this should not be needed with the 79-93 k member.  I used the 03 because of the 4.6 swap.

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #11 –
You'll increase your turning radius by 10% if you stick with the fox a-arms, as mentioned above.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #12 –
If you are installing a Windsor based push rod motor (302W or 351W) then use a 79-93 Fox Mustang K-Member with Fox Mustang lower control arms if you have a 83-86 Thunderbird or with the SN95 Mustang lower control arms if you have a 87-88 Thunderbird.  Some K-Members will move the wheels forward 3/4" as will the control arms for a total of 1-1/2" of forward movement.  If you want the wheels to stay in the stock location then make sure that you use something like what Maximum Motorsports offers which is a zero offset K-Member and zero offset lower control arms.

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #13 –
Ok. So I need the SN95 Control Arms, do I need the SN95 K member too? And Will the Mustang motor mounts fit in the Tbird engine bay? Are there any other issues I need to keep in mind?

Tubular K-Member/ Coil-Over Kit

Reply #14 –
If a guy were to reread this entire thread all of your questions would be answered. Fox k-member, SN95 control arms, & Fox Mustang motor mounts.

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp