Stainless Steel K-Member Braces

[DLF]

The KB K-Member braces that I previously had on the car hit the pavement during severe dips in the road, primarily due to having to lower the K-Member by 1/2" due to the Canton oil pan installation.

So, following the work of others who have made similar braces, I've made a set (in 304 stainless, of course ) which will gain me an additional 1" of ground clearance.

I need to have the welding on the braces completed (I've just tacked them together), as my MIG isn't large enough to properly weld 3/16" thick 304 stainless.

I'll have to get the frame tabs (1018 Mild Steel) welded also.

 

[driller]

Looks great as always!

 

[beerdog]

nice!

 

[Roadboss]

No question about it, you do first class work. I am glad I don't live close to you, as I would be spending too much time hanging around your place.

 

[SCTBIRD1173]

So when will you be making these to sell?

If I know you by now that won't be long...

 

[DLF]

So when will you be making these to sell?

If I know you by now that won't be long...

No plans for that.

 

[SCTBIRD1173]

Yeah I've heard THAT before...

Awesome work as always Doug! When I finally dig the SC out of the garage I'll be in touch

 

[DLF]

FWIW, The material cost was around $90. I dropped the braces off this morning for the finish welding.

 

[97MarkJA]

They look great Doug.
I have a question, I could see the angle changing from the front mount to the k member but when you lowered the k member the lower control arm went with it.
Did you lower the front suspention more to make up for the spacers you put in?

 

[DLF]

They look great Doug.
I have a question, I could see the angle changing from the front mount to the k member but when you lowered the k member the lower control arm went with it.

What "front mount" angle are you referring to? All of the suspension mounting points are on the lowered K-Member.

Did you lower the front suspention more to make up for the spacers you put in?

Yes.

 

[97MarkJA]

By front I mean the rear.. lol where it attaches to the body.

 

[Sierra3]

Pretty sweet. Wow i remember when those crossbraces first came out. Some company was making them. I wanted to get some, but never got around to ordering any.

I like your design alot better for ground clearance. Nice job.

 

[racecougar]

They do stiffen the car up a bit. I went a slightly different route with mine and captured the framerail with the brace instead of welding a tab to it.

 

[DLF]

Project completed.

I decided to change the method of attaching the forward end of the braces in order to get a better angle at the rear for the frame tabs.

I welded on the frame tabs, painted the tabs and the welds, and bolted in the braces.

 

[racecougar]

Looks great! I'm jealous of your lift.

 

[Mad1stGen]

Doug,

are you using a washer to reduce the ID of the original hole in the k-member by the LCA mount ?

Do you think it is (or would be) beneficial in any way ?

Super as usual

 

[DLF]

Doug,

are you using a washer to reduce the ID of the original hole in the k-member by the LCA mount ?

Do you think it is (or would be) beneficial in any way ?

Super as usual

I thought about making a special washer for that hole when I started. The bolts on my braces are offset in that hole towards the front. I decided to wait to see if I saw any signs of movement before addressing the issue.

 

[tonybrooklyn]

Wow nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DLF]

I've had a couple of people ask about me making these for them.

The materials and hardware were around $100. The finish welding cost me $60. I spent a few hours cutting, drilling, bead blasting, and welding, so I'd want something for my time also.

I don't think that anyone really wants to spend $250+ for a set.

Also, the K-Member in my car is lowered 1/2". The design for a car with the K-Member in the stock location would probably be slightly different, and I'd want to build them on the car that they were going to be installed on.

 

[SCTBIRD1173]

I've had a couple of people ask about me making these for them.

The materials and hardware were around $100. The finish welding cost me $60. I spent a few hours cutting, drilling, bead blasting, and welding, so I'd want something for my time also.

I don't think that anyone really wants to spend $250+ for a set.

HAHA I knew it would come to this! See Doug, work like yours is few and far between so people are willing to pay your asking prices. I know I never once regretted anything I bought from you, even before it even made it onto my car! :thumbsup: