"Team Z" Kmember install on a Fox Mustang: How to and tips
I wanted to record my experience on swapping out a K member and everything involved with it. I really found it hard to find anything on the web to help give me a heads up on any possible issues. I went with a Team Z K, arms, and strange coil overs. I went with them becuse of a few reasons... reputation, PRICE, and I couldnt allow anything other than stock wheel placement due to running a 235/40/18 tire plus a large backspacing rim. I realize this wont have much interest on here, but hope it can add some insight to those with a Mustang who might be considering this project.
First I recieved the K and arms by fedex, the coils had to be dropped shipped by strange. Shipping was fast btw. When I got home to see my package with high excitement it was quickly ruined by this:
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The powder coat was gone and the metal scuffed in affected spots. The K was just put in a box with NO wrap, although the arms were extreamly well packaged...
Ok time to get to work...
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I supported the body by the front frame rails like so to stop any sagging of the front end.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2223.jpg
There were no instructions with the package they are on the Team Z website.
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Getting the old K and arms etc out is pretty straight forward, do a web search on any how to's.
FYI there is no hardware included with the K, It says it comes with it in the You Tube video but on the website it clearly shows an option to buy it.
So I bought all new from the local fastenal, I got all 10.9 or grade 8 everything for a great price.I know Team Z says its overkill but I'm a lil OCD and like the peace of mind it gives me. I had NO clue on the sizes needed and had to call to get them!! Arms to K 5/8 by 4.5, K to frame rail M14 by 4.5, rack do not use the stock bolts way to long. Get M12 by 5.5.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2158.jpg
I used washers on everything as well, you need to notch them on the K though.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2217.jpg
Ok so now that the old K is out I took this time to clean up the rails. I used rust mort then hit it with professional rustoleum. Never used rusto before but I gotta say I was impressed. Lays down great and its finish seems very durable.
Before:
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2143.jpg
After:
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2172.jpg
I took this time to have the SN-95 spindles powder coated.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2159.jpg
And upgrade to ES poly motor mounts from vert mounts. Note: it raised the motor about an 1/8th.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2166.jpg
Now I soon realized an issue right away.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2178.jpg
So i had too do this. Note: Drivers side motor mount guide pin fits fine.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2181.jpg
This is part of the reason Im doing this. I had the damn K in and then realized the above, so out came the K :shifty:. But the K bolted up preatty darn easy. Testiment to the quality of Team Z stuff.WOW got some room to work now lol.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2177.jpg
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Now you need to run washers on the balljoint to make this work.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2207.jpg
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5/8th hardened washers fyi.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2198.jpg
Time for coil overs :evilgrin:
The quality of strange was great no issues setting up and came with great instructions. I already had strange 10 way struts.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2205.jpg
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A lil trick, use a cut up plastic milk jug to put under the CC plates to stop from screwing up the paint during alignment
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2224.jpg
Now the Team Z instructions said to use offset rack bushing. But I wanted to try without. Its a no
go... NOTE: You do not have to open up the PS system just unbolt the rack and wire it up to the sway bar
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2240.jpg
My MM shaft wouldnt match up either.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2238.jpg
So in came.... NOTE: The Team Z instuctions have the offset rack bushings in the DOWN position they need to be in the UP position!!
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I used cap head bolt (allen) thought it looked cleaner then a hex head style.
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All set....
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Here are some before and afters to show what a great change this is over stock.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2049.jpg
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http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2044.jpg
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After...
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2222.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2272.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2186.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/IMG_2228.jpg
This kit saved me 55lbs over stock. I put it all on a home scale and it comes in at a 55lb savings regardless of internet folklore. I can break it all down if anyone would like. Over all impressions of Team Z kit.... Awesome quality especially for the price!! I do not regret my decision... I would of been a lil bit happier with better instructions, better packaging of product, more adjustment in the holes were the K bolts to the rail. I had to ream a few spots of the K's holes to square it up. This was the Cars fault not the K btw. Hardware should be an option to delete not to buy imo. As I was under the impression it came with due to the youtube video. In the End Team Z gets my vote as a high end player, with real world prices, and quality parts... I have not driven the car yet to give any feedback on the part, I will update this thread once I do... I hope this helps anyone in the future who decides to go down this road.
