I have a bit of a unique situation but my question is simple.

I just installed a Spohn tubular K-member into my Camaro and the front main crossbar is notched for the steering linkage (the inner tie-rods to be specific). Now this isn't a problem in normal situations however I'm on air and have quite a bit more suspension travel than the normal third gen. When driving it's fine however when either fully aired out or fully inflated the inner tie rods are contacting the k-member now (like the notch spohn made in this unit is just an inch too narrow in both directions).

My question is, can i grind away the k-member to make clearance (basisically making that notch larger) without hurting the stability of the k-member?

 

I'd toss it in the trash, spohn k member is a mess.

If you would rather keep it, you can notch it, but you need to weld it back up when you are done. At that point I'd cut the hoop off and reposition it back where it should have been in the first place.

 

Pure garbage ! You do not have to be on air to have these issues. Stock suspension will make contact when put through it full range of motion with one of those garbage K members from Spohn. Powder coated excrement.

 

Got it and the a arms from another member here for next to nothing. IMO it's still better than that boat anchor of a stock k member. However with that being said I do not have a welder so... sounds like the answer is no. I can't ( or shouldn't) grind at it. Thanks.

 

drop the spohn kmember..you will love UMI...or try BMR.. there are others...

 

I'm seriously thinking of putting the stock K member back in now. I'm not made of money and can't justify another tubular k member.

On another thought, seeing as I'm not the only person who's had this issue with the Spohn unit, and I have a hard time believing everyone just tossed it in the trash after, what have others done to correct this problem? Can the center link be flipped to move the tie rods away from it? Or is there "offset" tie-rods out there that can be used?

 

You can't fix it without screwing up the steering geometry or cutting and rebuilding the k member.

It's a known problem, spohn has done nothing to correct it and will tell you that your cars been wrecked if you tell them of your problem. It's a load of crappie honestly and a lot of people have been burnt by this problem. It's probably why the guy sold it to you cheaply.

Unless you need it for clearance purposes, your usually better off keeping the stock one anyway, it fits and is a lot stronger,

 

Look at the pics in this article...
http://www.chevyhardcore.com/project...ystem-at-home/
Tell me this guy didn't install the center link flipped?

 

He did by the pictures but that's all wrong. Probably won't notice anything crazy if your just driving by to the grocery store and back, but the steering geometry will be out of whack. The flip will raise the inside end of the tie rods as well as move them forwards, it would affect bumpsteer significantly.

Just because a part is in a magazine doesn't mean it's any good.

 

sell the junk..take the hit save up and buy a good K member..it in a nut shell.

 

Hey I'm having the same binding issue also not great support but I'm now looking at umi k member. I also have the spohn a arms del sphere and coil over kit , my question is you mentioned you ran his a arms with the umi k member? How does it fit , issues , wheel set back ?

 

spohns coil over works..just the tops are to tall for my liking..(a bit close the the brake res)

the K member is 2nd rate hack job from the rack steering they made it for..

and the fact it sets your front wheels back 1 and 1/2 inchs..

I did a full post with pics a year or 2 ago...

 

Wow is the spohn model really that bad?

 

Yes, it garbage. Sad part is they know about it and just dont care.

 

yes its that bad... go with UMI/BMR any others.. save your self the headache!