HAL k-member
 

Anyone run one of these? Whats involved in swapping it out ? The engine is out of the car right now and I planned on using my stock control arms and struts. Will the stock 83gt c/a's even work?


thanks all

I have one on my 85. Your a-arms should work, but if yours is like mine your a-arms will be moved forward 3/4"-1". This could cause tire clearnce problems. I was told by Hal that the k-member was designed to do this, but I've heard from others that their a-arms didn't move. The a-arm issue wasn't really an issue for me since I got Hal's a-arms also and was able to space them back to the stock location. Swapping them out is pretty simple, especially since you have the engine out. 8 bolts, the a-arms, and the steering rack is all that's required to swap it out. Oh and be careful of the springs when your lowering the old one out of the way and getting the springs back in without a motor in the car is a real PITA!!! Hope this helps.

I have the Q-A1 K-member and I am about to install it myself :D It is not suppose to move the control arms anywhere. It will accept both the stock springs and coil overs. I'm installing it for weight, strength, and it's easier to work around. I'll repost (If I can remember) when I'm done.

I would be real interested to see if your a-arms move forward or not because the guy at Hal (QA1) told me they were designed to do just that. Maybe he was blowing smoke up my butt because mine got built wrong or something, but he said they did it to increase the wheelbase a little and improve handling. Who knows??? If you would please post your results.

I have a Hal k-member and installed it with a friend. He held the k-member in place while I bolted it up. This is a very light piece. We put a floor jack under the motor while doing the swap but having a chery picker would of made the job easier. Overall it was a simple job. The only trouble was that I had to grind the inside of my a-arms so they wouldn't rub against the k-member. You might not have to do this. I also bought and installed new offset steering rack bushings. When the job was done I was pleased to say the least. It felt like I was driving a V8 honda. The car felt much lighter up front and the steering felt tighter and more responsive. I didn't notice that the a-arms moved foward but I did notice the caster(or camber?) setup had more of an agressive racing look and feel. Also when I lift my hood to show people my goodies, they trip out when all they see is motor and the ground.
It looks like the motor is suspended in air. lol.
Good luck and research is your best weapon for construction.