K-Member Questions After Accident

**Cobra Killer** · 02-27-2010, 01:06 PM

Just got my 99 back from a shop. They told me I have a bent K-Memeber, Spindle, and a messed up wheel bearing. I was wondering how hard it would be to remove the old k-member and put a BMR Tubular Crossmember in myself. The shop wants $1700 with all used parts.

If I could buy aftermarket and spend less and just do the work myself Id rather do that obviously. Am I going need an engine hoist? Any special tools? I have been wrenching a while but still consider myself an aspiring builder lol... Is this going to be a little over my head? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

**Ls_won** · 02-27-2010, 08:22 PM

im not sure about a f body. but i swapped k members on my 98 cobra. all i used was a strong cross board and chains to hold the motor up.

**Cobra Killer** · 02-28-2010, 06:34 AM

Haha thats weird I went from a Cobra to my white Camaro as well. I just wanna know how hard and what tools I am going to need for this job. Mechanic told me $1000 for labor and straighten the frame a little guess it got tweaked whem the Scion pulled out in front of me.

**Spikito** · 03-01-2010, 07:37 AM

To be honest, 1700 isnt a bad price, with parts.....its literally easier to pull a motor than swap a k-member.

doesnt mean it cant be done. I did it using jack stands, and it wouldnt have been much easier with a lift if you have access to one.

Heres the process.

Lift car
Remove wheels
Disconnect tie rod ends
Remove LCA
At this point youll need to support the motor, you can put a jack under the bell housing, or somehow chain it from above, this part is up to you, and your situation
Remove 4 bolts holding k-member in
Remove, A/C compressor
Remove motor mounts.
From here you should be able to work the k-member out
Swap power steering components.
Repeat in reverse.

I wrecked mine, needed a k-member and an oil pan, i was told 2500-3000 parts an labor. I think they quote something like 12 hours labor.

I got mine all the way to the point of removing the k-member, I was almost there, then my dad pissed me off, I was at his house. So i put it back together and took to to a shop, who refused to fix it, no one else would, so i sold it as is.

**Cobra Killer** · 03-01-2010, 06:24 PM

Tough news man... PA Racing K-Member and used spindle on order now. Surprised the k-member only cost me about 380! Have the mechaninc do the install for 900. Feels like a good deal... Guy is good too, you can just tell when someone has a Yellowbird Porsche and a 55 Studebaker in his shop that he must be doin something right. Lol he must feel sorry for me and my lost love.