K-Member seam weld- can this be done without removal?

So I really don't know what this looks like when done properly.

My question is how much of this job can be done with the K-Member/motor still in the car?

Is it worth the effort or expense?

No not IMO.

The K needs to be degreased before welding for one thing. Then you can not get to lots of the areas that need to be welded when the motor is in the way and the K is bolted in. Not worth doing in that case.

I agree

That makes sense, guys. It's also what I was hoping not to hear.


So for me, this will have to wait until I've blown up the Magnum 5.9!

How much difference will this make? Where does it rank in the list of recommended chassis reinforcements in terms of importance?

Firm Feel sells a great kit.

I sent mine to Firm Feel as well. They put the K-frame into a big BBQ to roast all the oils, grease and dirt out, then they weld all the seams. I just taped a bunch of cardboard around the K-frame when I shipped it.

Difference...single digit or lower in terms of overall rigidity improvements from just welding up the K. No proof, just a guess based on other reading I've done. The thing with seam welding is it is a whole approach that gets results, not a single component. Its like an apple a day keeps the doctor away doesn't apply if the rest of your diet is Coke and Twinkies. Stitch weld all the seams in through out the car and you can gain a 30% increase. This has been proven on a 1st gen Mustang.

With that said, the gussets that support the steering box and eliminate flex in that area are much higher in the improvement range and reducing this deflection may actual approach a double digit improvement. Will that be huge on the seat of the pants meter, it depends on how in tune with your car you are. If you can feel the difference in understeer half a tank of gas makes, then you'll notice the improvement in steering mount gussets.

That has about as much relevance as my wife's gynecologist giving medical advice for me.

The 1st gen Mustang is a ratty POS as it left the factory and has major issues with it's front suspension trying to tear itself loose in normal driving.

It may be a ratty POS but it is relevant to demonstrate how stitch welding can provide structural gains.

I never said Mustangs were engineering marvels nor that their suspension was superior. But, Mustangs were on a unitized platform frame assembly, very similar to a Mopar, and Ford finding the Mustang to be a flexi-flier, install torque boxes during the production run, just as Mopar did in some of our cars, as a means to step up rigidity. So it appears the engineering disciplines are very similar. Does that mean the same work will yield the same results on a Mopar, not necessarily. But it will show improvements and to discount it as not relevant because its simply another make is just as foolish as getting prostrate advice from your wife's gynecologist.

There is no relevant similarity between the Stang and any Mopar other than the most general ones possible.

I suppose we should run under riders cause they worked om Gen 1 mustangs?

Or ignore the fact that the front suspension forces in a torsion bar setup is transferred to the middle of the body not the front fender wells.

In general, seam welding is probably a good idea, but it's not because it made the mustang a slightly shinier turd.

TC@HP2 PM sent

No need to wait until you blow up the engine. Support the motor and drop the k-member. I can get one out within a couple of hours...

Or, find a K member, get it completely cleaned and weld it up. If you have it done be prepared to spend some money in that the labor will be pricy

I had a spare and welded it up, dressed all of my sloppy welds then painted it up. I later swapped it out in a few hours.

If you're going to weld on the K make sure to run a bead or two around the lower control arm tubes, but be sure to grind back the welds on the back side where the pins go through so the control arm pins sit at the original depth. I've seen more than one A body Mopar that has cracked and broken those crummy welds and ruined a k frame by not addressing it in time.

I’m impressed. Looks like a pro job. No bird sh...t welds.