Tubular K member for 79 Zephyr??

[shakerpilot]

Hey guys
I have a 79 zephyr 2 dr sedan currently has a 302 in it. (331 going in soon)I am looking at changing the K memeber to a tubular type. Also would like to put in coil over suspension in front.

Will the available after market parts for the fox mustang bolt right in?

Has any body actually done this and can tell me tha parts they used?

Thanks
Darcy

[mfpmax]

I would believe so. Maybe some very minor differences but probably still fit in.

[Marz]

DeanT tossed a MM K-member in his 78 Futura. Heres his page with what he did:

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/3573/FZ/CrazyFZ.html

Look at the links for the MM K-member page.

[Ken Newman]

I'm impressed! Dean has done a great job showing his progress. Skye and Mike have a 1979 V8 K-member setting next to a 80s V8 K-member and the slotted holes at the rear go different directions. One is slotted cross ways and the other is slotted front to back. I don't remember which is which. Hope that helps. Dean's article does a nice job of showing how to fix the difference. Good luck, Ken.

[evlgt85]

I spoze I can take pictures if that'd help.

[zak]

I am curious how those using tubular K members are making out with tire/wheel clearance. The MM and Griggs tubular braces have the lower control arm inner pickup points about one inch per side further outboard, when compared to 78-86 or 87 K frames. (The Griggs and MM pieces are more outboard a la the later year Fox Mustangs (88 and up I think but do not quote me).

I know the pick up points are higher, hwoever I also know that 225 section width tires are already pretty tight on the front of my 85 LTD at least - I am looking more towards a Mathis style modified stock K member

zak

[Ken Newman]

I am curious how those using tubular K members are making out with tire/wheel clearance. The MM and Griggs tubular braces have the lower control arm inner pickup points about one inch per side further outboard, when compared to 78-86 or 87 K frames. (The Griggs and MM pieces are more outboard a la the later year Fox Mustangs (88 and up I think but do not quote me).

I know the pick up points are higher, hwoever I also know that 225 section width tires are already pretty tight on the front of my 85 LTD at least - I am looking more towards a Mathis style modified stock K member

zak
I had the same fear with my Fairmont. The 245/45/17 tires are underneath, with the car lowered over them. Every aftermarket K-member I've seen seems to have the wider track width. I hope to build a tubular member that has the same width as the early Foxes but built like the Anthony Jones unit. On his the control arms are attached directly to the tubing, not with four thin brackets. Here is a link (hope it's ok with you know who). http://www.ajeracing.com/mustang.htm
Hello Skye....Ken.

[Dean_T]

Yes, My front track width is at 60" from center to center of the tires. My Fairmont wagon with 10 holes is around 57-1/4"s - ugh.

I'll have to measure between the control arm pick-up points on my '78's K-member, the MM K-member, and the '89 Mustang K-member.

Something isn't quite right.

Ken, the MM K-member control arm attachment plates are thicker than what Friggin' Futura had for it's stock K-member. My worry is the ride may be a bit harsh for my old bones...

Dean T

[r93lightning]

I put complete upr K-member kit in my car control arms coil overs and all and it went right in and engine set in fine

[todd scribner]

I just did a 78 Fairmount wagon put a Tubular K-member,control arms and coilover kit in.I also set the engine back,its a windsor.The only problem was the rear of the K-member where it bolts in,it is narrower.I removed the threaded plates,ground the holes over to line up with the K-member turned the bolt plates around and bolted it in.the only ill effects were the tires rub on the inner fenderwell right at the fender when you turn but only till the edge of the tire passes the narrow part.The only other thing i had to do was take the bushings and cups out of the wagon crossmember and put them in the mustang crossmember and it bolted right in.I would show you pictures,but i work better on cars than i do computers.I will try and get one of my friends to take a picture and put on here.If anyone needs help or ask a question will be happy to help in any way i can.