k member install

scp616 · December 22nd, 2010, 04:34 PM

Just finished installing an AJE tubular k member in my car, just thought I'd post some pics and info about the install for anyone interested in doing it to their car. It cleared up a LOT of room for headers and for the 5.4 i plan on dropping in after christmas.
Note: Your car will need to be ALIGNED... didn't think about it and my wheels were pointed in interesting directions haha

Step one: jack up the car enough to get the k member out, and support the engine with a lift

Since you'll only be supporting the front weight of the engine, you can use the two bolts in the front timing cover, this lets you tilt the engine to align it

scp616 · December 22nd, 2010, 04:38 PM

I can barely see my passenger side header with the stock k member

I didn't want to seperate the bottom ball joint, so I kept the spindle attached to the a-arm, since I was using the stock a arms.
Jack up the a-arm slightly and remove the strut, caliper, steering, and anti-roll bar.
Lower the a-arm with the jack to remove the spring.

scp616 · December 22nd, 2010, 04:42 PM

After both a-arms have been dropped, remove the steering rack from the k-member, and support the k-member with a jack. Loosen the motor mounts (the single nut is a lot easier) and remove the 8 k-member bolts. Then drop the k-member out.

New vs old.

With this kit, the motor mounts were a pain. When installing, I had to jack the new k-member up and install the motor mounts on the k-member before bolting them to the engine. You will have to remove the dipstick on the passenger side

scp616 · December 22nd, 2010, 04:45 PM

To get everything to line up, I had to loosen the transmission mount to allow the motor to slide forward a bit more. I used a punch to align the k-member, but it still took a lot of prying everything around. After you get the k-member bolted in, everything else is pretty easy, just everything in reverse order.
It gave me a ton more space.

I can tighten my headers with a 3/8 socket wrench now

I would recommend this to ANYONE with headers or future engine plans, It cleared up way more space than I expected.
Hope this helps some people, I had trouble finding info on it. If anyone has questions, just PM me

Willy Mo · December 22nd, 2010, 05:15 PM

I've said it befor and i will say it again. If i ever get another mustang, a tubular K is one of the first things i will buy.

Novanutcase · December 22nd, 2010, 08:05 PM

Surprising the weight difference you have when you compare the two......

John

scp616 · December 23rd, 2010, 05:04 PM

yeah the weight difference was pretty surprising. Driving it around today, I can feel a lot more from the engine, those poly motor mounts made a big difference. Still kinda hot and cold on the rigid mount, but the extra clearance was definitely worth it.

Willy Mo · December 23rd, 2010, 05:11 PM

need tubular a-arms and coilovers now.

scp616 · December 23rd, 2010, 05:20 PM

I'm a little nervous about coil overs since the strut tower was never meant to support the weight of the car, but it would be nice to have the adjustability. I gotta do something with my spring rates, it handles good but it rides like it has no suspension and it doesn't transfer any weight to the rear

Stang2K GT · December 23rd, 2010, 05:59 PM

nice work man... less weight equals more fun hehe

Willy Mo · December 23rd, 2010, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by scp616

I'm a little nervous about coil overs since the strut tower was never meant to support the weight of the car, but it would be nice to have the adjustability. I gotta do something with my spring rates, it handles good but it rides like it has no suspension and it doesn't transfer any weight to the rear

Ive have my coilovers on for 8-10 months, no problems yet. I have see someone reinforce the shock towers with some plate steel sandwhiched between the coilover and the tower itself.

PhillyStyle · December 23rd, 2010, 08:10 PM

What keeps the top of the coil spring secure on a tubalar k? I haven't seen one yet in person.

Sally845 · December 23rd, 2010, 08:10 PM

nice, how much weight you think you shaved off by doing that?

Willy Mo · December 23rd, 2010, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by PhillyStyle

What keeps the top of the coil spring secure on a tubalar k? I haven't seen one yet in person.

on tubular k-members that have use the factory coil spring, they have a spring perch just like the factory k-member.

Originally Posted by Sally845

nice, how much weight you think you shaved off by doing that?

wheni did my tubular k-member, I did a-arms, coil overs, removed sway bar as well as the bumper suport. It was a lil over 100lbs.

Sally845 · December 23rd, 2010, 08:21 PM

niiiice!

Willy Mo · December 23rd, 2010, 08:27 PM

very! after that with my DD bullits my car weighed 3240. buti have done quite a bit since then.

cbjohnson9 · December 23rd, 2010, 10:30 PM

did you square the k-member with the rear lca torque boxes or just eyeball it?

I've never installed a k-member so I don't really know how much adjustment there is for this...

December 22nd, 2010, 04:34 PM	#1
scp616 Regular 2002 Mustang GT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SC Posts: 326 iTrader: 0 reviews	k member install Just finished installing an AJE tubular k member in my car, just thought I'd post some pics and info about the install for anyone interested in doing it to their car. It cleared up a LOT of room for headers and for the 5.4 i plan on dropping in after christmas. Note: Your car will need to be ALIGNED... didn't think about it and my wheels were pointed in interesting directions haha Step one: jack up the car enough to get the k member out, and support the engine with a lift Since you'll only be supporting the front weight of the engine, you can use the two bolts in the front timing cover, this lets you tilt the engine to align it __________________ 02 GT --> long tube headers w/ x pipe and flow masters, throttle body w/ intake plenum, cold air intake, short throw, 255 nitto 555's all around, 373 diff gears, 2 inch lowering kit w/caster camber plates, sony radio working with stock system

December 22nd, 2010, 04:38 PM	#2
scp616 Regular 2002 Mustang GT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SC Posts: 326 iTrader: 0 reviews	I can barely see my passenger side header with the stock k member I didn't want to seperate the bottom ball joint, so I kept the spindle attached to the a-arm, since I was using the stock a arms. Jack up the a-arm slightly and remove the strut, caliper, steering, and anti-roll bar. Lower the a-arm with the jack to remove the spring. __________________ 02 GT --> long tube headers w/ x pipe and flow masters, throttle body w/ intake plenum, cold air intake, short throw, 255 nitto 555's all around, 373 diff gears, 2 inch lowering kit w/caster camber plates, sony radio working with stock system

December 22nd, 2010, 04:42 PM	#3
scp616 Regular 2002 Mustang GT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SC Posts: 326 iTrader: 0 reviews	After both a-arms have been dropped, remove the steering rack from the k-member, and support the k-member with a jack. Loosen the motor mounts (the single nut is a lot easier) and remove the 8 k-member bolts. Then drop the k-member out. New vs old. With this kit, the motor mounts were a pain. When installing, I had to jack the new k-member up and install the motor mounts on the k-member before bolting them to the engine. You will have to remove the dipstick on the passenger side __________________ 02 GT --> long tube headers w/ x pipe and flow masters, throttle body w/ intake plenum, cold air intake, short throw, 255 nitto 555's all around, 373 diff gears, 2 inch lowering kit w/caster camber plates, sony radio working with stock system

December 22nd, 2010, 04:45 PM	#4
scp616 Regular 2002 Mustang GT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SC Posts: 326 iTrader: 0 reviews	To get everything to line up, I had to loosen the transmission mount to allow the motor to slide forward a bit more. I used a punch to align the k-member, but it still took a lot of prying everything around. After you get the k-member bolted in, everything else is pretty easy, just everything in reverse order. It gave me a ton more space. I can tighten my headers with a 3/8 socket wrench now I would recommend this to ANYONE with headers or future engine plans, It cleared up way more space than I expected. Hope this helps some people, I had trouble finding info on it. If anyone has questions, just PM me __________________ 02 GT --> long tube headers w/ x pipe and flow masters, throttle body w/ intake plenum, cold air intake, short throw, 255 nitto 555's all around, 373 diff gears, 2 inch lowering kit w/caster camber plates, sony radio working with stock system

December 22nd, 2010, 05:15 PM	#5
Willy Mo MM Fanatic 2002 Mustang GT Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MO Posts: 4,368 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 2 reviews	I've said it befor and i will say it again. If i ever get another mustang, a tubular K is one of the first things i will buy. __________________

December 22nd, 2010, 08:05 PM	#6
Novanutcase Hardcore Enthusiast 2003 GT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 1,099 iTrader: 0 reviews	Surprising the weight difference you have when you compare the two...... John __________________ SOLD - '03 GT, Max Moto Max Grip Box, Wilwood SL 6 front/DL4 rear Big Brake Kit, Corbeau Seats, MGW Short Shifter, MAC Long Tube Headers/Prochamber mid/ Flowmaster 40, FRPP 4.10, TrickFlow Diff Cover/75mm TB/Plenum, Eaton Posi, Moser 31 spl Axles

December 23rd, 2010, 05:04 PM	#7
scp616 Regular 2002 Mustang GT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SC Posts: 326 iTrader: 0 reviews	yeah the weight difference was pretty surprising. Driving it around today, I can feel a lot more from the engine, those poly motor mounts made a big difference. Still kinda hot and cold on the rigid mount, but the extra clearance was definitely worth it. __________________ 02 GT --> long tube headers w/ x pipe and flow masters, throttle body w/ intake plenum, cold air intake, short throw, 255 nitto 555's all around, 373 diff gears, 2 inch lowering kit w/caster camber plates, sony radio working with stock system

December 23rd, 2010, 05:11 PM	#8
Willy Mo MM Fanatic 2002 Mustang GT Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MO Posts: 4,368 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 2 reviews	need tubular a-arms and coilovers now. __________________

December 23rd, 2010, 05:20 PM	#9
scp616 Regular 2002 Mustang GT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SC Posts: 326 iTrader: 0 reviews	I'm a little nervous about coil overs since the strut tower was never meant to support the weight of the car, but it would be nice to have the adjustability. I gotta do something with my spring rates, it handles good but it rides like it has no suspension and it doesn't transfer any weight to the rear __________________ 02 GT --> long tube headers w/ x pipe and flow masters, throttle body w/ intake plenum, cold air intake, short throw, 255 nitto 555's all around, 373 diff gears, 2 inch lowering kit w/caster camber plates, sony radio working with stock system

December 23rd, 2010, 05:59 PM	#10
Stang2K GT Newbie 2000 Mustang GT Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 42 iTrader: 0 reviews	nice work man... less weight equals more fun hehe __________________

December 23rd, 2010, 08:10 PM	#12
PhillyStyle Enthusiast 2012 Brembo Mustang GT Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Douglassville, PA Posts: 537 iTrader: 1 reviews	What keeps the top of the coil spring secure on a tubalar k? I haven't seen one yet in person. __________________ 2001 GT Supercharged and Intercooled....387RWHP - SOLD 2012 Brembo GT

December 23rd, 2010, 08:10 PM	#13
Sally845 Regular 2001 Saleen Mustang 12.4@108 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 372 iTrader: 0 reviews	nice, how much weight you think you shaved off by doing that?

December 23rd, 2010, 08:21 PM	#15
Sally845 Regular 2001 Saleen Mustang 12.4@108 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 372 iTrader: 0 reviews	niiiice!

December 23rd, 2010, 08:27 PM	#16
Willy Mo MM Fanatic 2002 Mustang GT Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MO Posts: 4,368 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 2 reviews	very! after that with my DD bullits my car weighed 3240. buti have done quite a bit since then. __________________

December 23rd, 2010, 10:30 PM	#17
cbjohnson9 Enthusiast 2001 Mustang GT Vert. Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Kansas City Posts: 860 iTrader: 0 reviews	did you square the k-member with the rear lca torque boxes or just eyeball it? I've never installed a k-member so I don't really know how much adjustment there is for this... __________________ Mods in garage

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