Help! K-frame swap.

[lametec]

I just found out last week that my control arm/k-frame is bent on the Shelby Z, causing the caster to be all messed up.

I have an '89 Daytona Shelby parts car, and I pulled the k-frame out of it. After getting the 3/4" layer of dirt and grime (not kidding.. there really was that much crap on it), I laid it next to the k-frame out of my '87 Shelby Z parts car.

To the naked eye, they look like they match, only differece being double-hinge on the '89 vs. stub-strut on the '87.

So will the '89 k-frame bolt into my '87 Shelby Z without problems, or will I need to change the knuckles too? I'm gonna swap over the knuckles/brakes some time in the future, but for now I'm hoping to get away with just the k-frame.

So are '89 and '87 k-frames compatible w/out changing anything else?

[Dan H]

They are interchangable. One thing you might notice is that you rack might need to be drilled out for the 89 bolts. I put an 88ish rack on my 89 k frame and found out that I needed to open up the holes the the aluminum tab on the rack a bit. Just keep an eye on that. Make sure you get that puppy aligned after too. Another note, when you install the k frame the rear stud on the pass side is supposed to act as a pilot so that one is supposed to be tightened first according to a Hayne's manual. Also, don't try and order energy suspension control arm bushings for the 89, they won't fit.

Dan Hemingway

[lametec]

Ok, cool. That answers that. Thanks Dan!

I will get it aligned again (just had it done Wednesday), but I suppose I have to drive over to the alignment place and show them that it still pulls to the right, and that my left front tire now is suddenly worn down twice as much as the right front.... Then swap k-frames and have them realign it (and do it right this time!).

I've read something about '89 up struts being shorter than older ones, any truth to it? What I'm getting at is when I change the brakes/knuckles over to the '87, can I retain my current struts?

[Dan H]

I'd say you can keep everything the same, just swap the k frame. My friends 87 csx had an 89 K frame swapped in and it seems fine. It rides on Konis and road race springs and that thing can sure handle. I'm going to swap to a pre 89 k frame soon so that I can make use of the energy suspension bushings I have bought. I also thing the earlier style will promote less wheel hop.

Dan H