Adapt existing k-member or custom front suspension?

[69_Sportsroof]

So, I am in the planning stages of a full frame for my 1969 mustang. I am debating whether it would be worthwhile to just adapt a k-member from an existing platform, such as the s197 mustang, instead of designing my own and hoping I get it right. I know suspension setup is a very dynamic thing, but is it possible to just bolt in a k-member designed for a different platform and still reap the benefits of the design? The steering geometry and UCA and LCA orientation will be preserved, but I don't know overall how that would affect the car.

The plan for the rear is a TA/PHB setup, probably a one-off.

Any input?

[Josh@Ridetech]

I'm sure that it's a possibility but I see it being a job, with the fabrication/modifications that will need to be made. If you're capable of designing your own, I think it'd be a cool route to go. There's nothing wrong with the S197 platform but if you're building your own, you can make it what you want, there aren't any limitations. Are you just looking to use the K member out of one? Have you looked into the Fox/SN95 k's? Just a little less bulky and would be easy to modify.

[69_Sportsroof]

The S197 was just an example, but I would use an aftermarket tubular one probably. They have better brakes than the sn95 I believe but I don't have anything against an sn95 unit or even throwing in a corvette front setup but from what ive read they have issues with steering rack placement being high.

I have a lot to learn, but at the bare minimum I believe I'd use an existing spindle. Control arms I might be willing to try to fab using homemade jigs, pickup points worry me just because if how sensitive they are to variation and i am working out of my garage. Don't have a ton of fab tools and alignment machine at my disposal. So I just figured an existing kmember or one designed by a racing company for a platform might save me a lot of trial and error. After all, this isn't a race car, its just going to be a very fun driver/occasional track toy.

[Josh@Ridetech]

The S197 was just an example, but I would use an aftermarket tubular one probably. They have better brakes than the sn95 I believe but I don't have anything against an sn95 unit or even throwing in a corvette front setup but from what ive read they have issues with steering rack placement being high.

I have a lot to learn, but at the bare minimum I believe I'd use an existing spindle. Control arms I might be willing to try to fab using homemade jigs, pickup points worry me just because if how sensitive they are to variation and i am working out of my garage. Don't have a ton of fab tools and alignment machine at my disposal. So I just figured an existing kmember or one designed by a racing company for a platform might save me a lot of trial and error. After all, this isn't a race car, its just going to be a very fun driver/occasional track toy.

Understandable.

There are a lot of good companies out there building K members. I've had great luck with UPR, Maximum Motorsports, and AJE. On the spindle, I've had extremely good luck with the 94-95 spindles on the the Fox/SN95 platform. The options for brakes are endless, if you look at my fox's thread, you can see the Baer setup that I'm running (also, a 94-95 SN95 spindle).

[Josh@Ridetech]

Going on farther into this, there is a lot to be questioned too. It would be a cool concept but the outcome isn't something that will be known. We have a complete bolt on package that will go beyond the ride quality/performance of trying to adapt a later suspension on it, without any guess work. It's all been taken out of the equation. There are several videos out of our silver 69 on the track, doing autocross and road course events. If you haven't seen them, it's definitely something to check out. Seeing the way that it performs with a true bolt on setup, is very impressive.

The front lower arms eliminate the strut rod, creating a true A frame. When paired with our uppers, the geometry is all optimized for the best of both worlds. The triangulated four link is bolt in as well, all set up with the intention of making a car ride and handle like a modern sports car. Let me know if you have any questions on it!

[69_Sportsroof]

The problem is basically the entire bottom of the car is rusted. So for the effort involved it would probably be cheaper/easier to start over instead of buying repro parts, drilling a million spot welds, replacing factory unibody, and THEN upgrading suspension

[bret]

Having built many of these cars, i am sympathetic with your rust issues. The car likely needs a chassis. Building your own is a labor of love with hundreds of ways to screw it up. Schwartz makes a fine chassis for that car that costs less than your first house. http://www.schwartzperformance.com/1964-1973-mustang-chassis-full-frame/