Desert86Roc

Weight difference between Stock kmember and spohn is not what was described earlier.

Mild Steel:
Stock Spohn
kmember 40 lbs 29lbs
A-arms 14 x 2 12 x2
Total 68 53
Savings: 15lbs. Chromoly savings is more

I have also encountered 2 installation issues. I am interested in hearing from anyone else that has installed this k-member before I post what my issues are.

Thanks.

Viprklr

iTrader: (5)

Hmm. Issues?

I'm interested in knowing what they are. I plan on getting Spohn's K-member since mine's toast.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

I am glad this k-member is okay for DAILY DRIVING......awesome.

MrDude_1

they're all OK for daily driving.


atleast, thats what everyone whos been daily driving on them for a couple years have said.....

but im sure you can find people who have never even held one in their hands that will disagree.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

I guess I meant Auot-X...more of a rough driving style..but thats awesome...cuz I heard that some of these wouldnt hold up to that type of driving....so does this mean Spohn is sending them out finally?

P.S. What has to be done to install a new k-member? I suppose all suspension removed? Engine removed? Just wondering how much work it would be to install.

MrDude_1

i beat the **** out of mine, and i used to autocross with it.

some.
hit and miss last time i checked, but i think hes caught up now.
i would check if he has them IN STOCK before ordering.

remove the A arms and springs (duh)
support the engine with a jack... pull the engine mount crossbolts and undo the 6 Kmember bolts.
obviously theres a bit more little crap then that, but it does bolt in place, no you dont have to pull the motor... and you can search out everything you'll need to know.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Nice response. Thanks alot. I might be trying to order one up then...I mean space plus weight savings...Beats everything.

But, would I be using a cherry picker to jack the engine up? If so then thats awesome because I need to go buy one and I would actually have use for it more than I thought.

MrDude_1

you dont save much weight.

you can.
i dont like cherry pickers when doing Kmember swaps because the legs go right where im trying to work... i use a small floor jack... but yea, you can do it that way.
theres a ton of ways to do it, but the basic concept is to support the motor while you remove whats under it.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

So something like Summits Low-Clearance jack will do. It adjusts to 24" high...that will do wont it. Just making sure because I get my Jack and jack stands today...also my new creeper set.
----------
I understand about the legs....so I'll go with the floor jack way...just sounds easier because I can get frustrated easy...(dont worry though, I dont ever hit my car). Thanks

P.S. Thats the good thing about Craftsman Lifetime tool warranty...no matter what they replace it. Lol.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

As for the weight....I guess just room to work and a clean style under-carriage. How would I go about jacking up my car with this k-member. Also when I do get the k-member I am getting a-arms too...So should I just use a cross-bar to lift the right and left rails at the same time.

1BADRZ28

iTrader: (2)

Spohn does not stock the k-members(that is what they told me). They are built as orders come in and yes they work with stock a-arms. I am just relaying what they told me as I have not recieved my K member yet and cannot express my views on installation.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Quote from an e-mail from Spohn sent to me.

"We're normal on everything we build except k-members, right now it is
around 8 weeks turn around time. Hopefully over the coming months we'll
get that back-log cleared and back to normal".

I was told this so he is on his way to getting back on schedule. NICE.

Camaro0605

iTrader: (3)

I ordered mine last week. Hopefully it won't take more then 8 weeks for it to be shipped. Seeing his other pieces that i got i think it'll be worth the wait.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

I am thinking about ordering one soon. If it's gonna take 8 weeks i need to order it now. I am going to email him and make sure the stock control arms will work. I can't swing another 5-600 for a arms too.

Kat

iTrader: (4)

Yes stock a-arms work with Steve's K memeber. It was designed to do so.

tpi88camaro

iTrader: (7)

Well, I am here to tell everyone that BMR is not that good. I ordered one from them and the mounting bolt holes did not line up. They sent another out with that problem fixed, but the middle mounting location was twisted and it would not mount flush. They sent another and when I got it I didn't even bother opening the box, just listed it on ebay and sold everything. Ordered the Spohn Kmember, got it just after the first of the year. Looks awsome. Installed with out hassle. just my 2 cents.

tpi88camaro

iTrader: (7)

After I got my Spohn K-member installed, instalation went very well, was that the front end has got some serious toe out issues. My car was straight on with the factory one. Anyone else got this problem?

tpi88camaro

iTrader: (7)

The pics just don't do this thing any justice, you have to see one up close.

KagA152

iTrader: (5)

i dont think the kmember would effect toe. camber yes, but that would mean the a arm mounts are in the wrong place

86irocterror

to do the k member you have to remove the springs, and a arms.........when you remove ANY suspension parts like that things never go back together the same. ANY suspension work like that that deals with steering will need an alignment.

tpi88camaro

iTrader: (7)

I seriously doubt it is something that an alignment won't fix. Don't get me wrong I ain't complaining. I will know more when I get the motor and tranny back in and see if everything line up the way it did(or close) with the factory piece. Till then my fingers are crossed.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

I called spohn today. They said a 12 week wait now. I don't want to wait that long. Can you use stock a arms with the BMR unit?

tpi88camaro

iTrader: (7)

Unfortunately not. You must use their a-arms with their k-member.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

guess i will be waiting 12 weeks then.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

I ordered my k member last week. Maybe I will forget about it not think about it for the next 12 weeks. Does anyone have any pics of the k member installed? On spohn's site he has pics but I they are the LS1 k member.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

Has anyone else recieved their K member yet. I picked up some spohn a arms from a board member. Waiting for the k member.........

Viprklr

iTrader: (5)

I'm expecting mine somewhere between 3/5 and 3/19.
Getting close.
I emailed them and asked them if I should still expect it in that timeframe and they said "yep".

cam406406

iTrader: (1)

ya there kmember is great sorry no pics no camera it installed with ease and fit great still have to finish the a arms and other **** but spohn is a great part and it only took me 4 wheeks to get mine but that was around xmass

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

A few things I have found out. The early design spohn a arms will not work with his k member. I think they are to narrow. I talked to spohn and I am sending the a arms I got to him so he can re-do them or change the k member he is making. Also, the guy I got the A arms from says he is having problems with the steering linkage hitting the k member not letting him get lock to lock turning.

Anyone else run into either one of these problems?

I am not slamming spohn. He was upfront about it and offered to fix it. I just want to see if anyone is having problems.

Viprklr

iTrader: (5)

$***. I hope I don't run into that. As of this weekend i'll be waiting on the k-member before I can install my new engine. If there are problems and he holds what he has I may be looking at another 3 months. I started my rebuild Dec. 1.

ABJ88

iTrader: (3)

What about PA Racing K-members; http://paracing.com/product_info.php...5662eda4057134

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

Spohn said i should have mine mid april. I am hoping thats true

Viprklr

iTrader: (5)

They also said I should have mine 2 weeks ago and now this week. I'd be surprised to see it this or even next week.

Kandied91z

iTrader: (7)

i'd love to know what the deal is with these "special" spohn k-members. we've been promised a unit for several years now and the fact they seem to finally be here there is a 8-12 week wait? for a company that seems so sought after by the few followers here the company doesn't seem to offer great hope for those interested.

i bought my pa back in 03. it's been on my car for many years and has been great but just with any company i've heard good and bad. it seems that this is true with all companies unfortunately.

not directly knocking spohn but these companies need to get their act together. they obviously have a product that is in demand and yet they don't keep at least a few in stock? just crazy...

1BADRZ28

iTrader: (2)

Spohn is made to order because of the many options that they have for them. It seems everyone wants theirs made to thier spec's as in no spring pockets,LSX engine,chromemoly etc....

Kat

iTrader: (4)

Thats part of it and say they take 40 hours to build one. Thats from loading the tubing off the truck, to boxing it up after PC. Well now there is 100 people ordering them with all different options. 4000 hours worth of work right there. Thats why it takes a while. IIRC Steve was telling me it takes 5 hours to weld one up. That and it is the busy time of the year where people are putting their cars together and whatnot for shows, racing, whatever. He also has the rest of the stuff that he sells to make too. If it was just a dedicated K-member factory he'd be pumpin them out left and right.

Viprklr

iTrader: (5)

Mine's basic. I finally got a ship date out of them. I ordered mine back on 1/22 with a 6 week wait. Spohn.net just told me mine should ship 4/09. They missed the 6 week timeframe but at least I now have a ship date.

Dr G

I got my Spohn Kmember delivered in late December, which was to schedule and exactly when Steve said I would get it. You cannot possibly expect it to be available 'off the shelf' with the number of options he gives.

Shipping and packaging was fantastic. It is a fantastic piece of kit. I'll be installing it in the next week or so and am happy to post some comments about it once I do.

Viprklr

iTrader: (5)

Comments would be appreciated.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

Look at AFR, people love their product and wait a long time for it. Given they seem to be doing better now. We will see since thats my next big purchase. I think that every company isn't going to be able to make everyone happy all the time. So far I have nothing but good things to say about spohn and his products. However I can see why the people that have waited 6-8 months for their k members would be unhappy.

Kandied91z

iTrader: (7)

if it took him or anyone 40 hours to make one kit he'd be out of business.. i understand the busy show schedule like anyone and obviously with a large line dedicated to made to order a delay is evident but such a delay isn't good business practice. regardless i never commented to tear into anyone's business ethics just think that these pieces are long over due and with the demand one would think receiving one shouldn't be an issue.

Desert86Roc

I think he is including the time to the powdercoater and back. He only ships to the powdercoater when he has a full order because it is cheaper. Nothing wrong with that.

I think you are focusing on the wrong issue. You dont have to wait if you dont want to as there are other products out there. I waited months for mine too.

I do suggest that, when you get it, put it in immediately. See if you have the suspension clearance issues that several people (including myself) have reported.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

Spohn said that my k-member is built and is going to powdercoating monday and will be shipped the 16th.

TraviZ

iTrader: (2)

I got my k member and a arms, installed them, everything clears just fine. very easy to install as well! I recommend the new hardware as well, very nice 10.9 grade stuff. plus new shiny bolts is always nice.

Viprklr

iTrader: (5)

My k-member and a-arms are "supposed" to ship on monday. Does Spohn send out tracking info? It's been so long since I got the last batch of stuff from him.

cam406406

iTrader: (1)

ya just got it installed looks and fits great no steering problems at all a great product

Dr G

Well that's me got my Spohn K member installed. I'm very satisfied.

I recieved it exactly when Steve said I would get it. The product appears to be of great quality. It installed nicely and looks fantastic. Plenty of clearance for my Hooker 2210's etc.

One helpful tip for anyone else installing theres is to put all the bolts in by only a few threads to start with before tightening anything up.

C Murda

ok to those who already got their k member, ive been looking at those pics on spohn's site and honestly those motor mount pads dont look sufficient. now a lot of ppl here that want these to use to race and daily drive and will most likely at some point have 500+WHP it just doesnt look like enough. the motor twists and the motor mounts alone do not absorb all of that twisting, from the mounts it will transfer down to the motor mount pads and it really doesnt look like those pads are strong enough to handle serious power motors...BMR has a better design in that department but the main crossbar being welded to the a arm boxes has proven to not be a good idea at least in 4th gen set ups and that is why they have changed their design many times...i cant decide...

1irocz2nv

We'll find out in the near future. My k-member just shipped today for my LS7-T56 swap. It it doesn't hold up to that kind of power, I'm in big trouble..haha

Viprklr

iTrader: (5)

Mine should be here tomorrow. I'll be bolting my 500/500 engine to it. Likewise, I hope it holds up.