All Mustang Parts
Selecting a K-Member for your Mustang’s build can seem like a daunting task to some. Whether you are building a daily driver, weekend warrior, or a full-on race car, this guide will provide you with all of the needed info to make an educated decision that is right for your build!
When looking into replacing your Mustang's k-member with a lightweight version, there can be many options that you will sort through to find out what is the best choice for your project. Choosing the correct tubular K-member will depend on what you want to achieve with your project. Selecting the correct K-member comes down to two essential steps: What engine will you be running? & What suspension and a-arms will you be running? Always double-check all fitment notes on the parts you purchase to reach out to our knowledgeable customer care team with any questions you may have before making your K-member purchase.
The most common reasons people install a K-member on their Mustang include weight reduction over factory K-members, extra clearance for headers, oil pans, and turbo piping. Even though the k-members may weigh less than your factory k-member, that doesn’t mean they are weaker. Many manufacturers, such as UPR, will use chrome moly tubing to ensure that the k-member is safe and reduces flex under even the hardest launches or cornering at the track.
The engine you will run in your Ford Mustang will be vital in selecting the correct aftermarket tubular k-member. If you want to keep the factory-installed engine or swap a different engine into your Mustang, you will need to ask yourself this main question: What engine are you going to run in your Mustang? Some of the most popular options include:
Shop our complete line of Mustang K-members! Pay attention to fitment and product notes to ensure the engine you plan to run in your Mustang matches the K-member fitment.
Once you have chosen what engine you will be using in your Mustang, the next step you will need to decide on is what type of suspension you are planning on using on your Mustang. This will come down to two choices:
Factory Coil Springs:
Your choice will be limited if you want to retain the factory front springs and A-arm setup. We highly suggest you look at fitment notes and ensure the K-member you selected supports factory coil springs. This is a popular option for many Mustang enthusiasts as it allows you to keep the factory coil springs and strut assembly. This combination is proven on the race tracks and tends to have less NVH than coilovers. The BMR Premium Spring Perch K-Member Kit - Standard Ball Joint - Black Hammertone is a common option that a lot of Fox Body Mustang customers go with who want to retain factory front suspension, run tubular front control arms, and a 5.0L pushrod engine.
Coil-Over Setups:
To save additional weight and convert to a coil-over setup, you must decide how your Mustang will be used/driven. The spring rates on coil-overs will help you dial in your Mustang, allowing the best performance on the track.
Use the information below to help you choose which coil-over spring rate will best suit your Mustang driving style, or refer to the Mustang Coilover Conversion Guide for additional information.
Note: Increased noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) can be expected when converting to a coil-over suspension. You will also want to check the product notes on each coil-over for the correct strut fitment. Coil-overs will have a specific fitment depending on the strut you plan to run.
Once you have chosen your K Member, select the coil-over suspension best suited for your Mustang's driving style.
Caster Camber Plates
All aftermarket K-members with coil-overs will require spherical bearing caster camber plates. The best rule to follow here is to ensure that you match the brands. For example, if you run a Maximum Motorsports K-member, ensure you run Maximum Motorsports A-arms and caster camber plates. If there isn’t a matching brand, just be sure you get good spherical bearing caster camber plates.
An example of this would be if you owned a 1996 SVT Cobra and you opted for the Team Z Matrix Tubular K Member Kit w/ 12" 150lb Springs - Modular (94-04), you would be best to choose the following caster camber plates: Team Z Caster Camber Plates (94-04)
Motor Mounts
For most Mustang K-members, engine mounts are not required; however, there are a few exceptions, such as Team Z Motorsports. Be very careful and read all fitment notes on K-members, as some are incompatible with certain brands or styles. Late Model Restoration works hard to note all of this in the vehicle fitment notes on our product pages.
