This is as far as I got welding the k-member before running out of gas. Just as everyone else says, the factory welds really, really suck. If anybody else is doing this I would definitely acid dip the k-member or something. I decreased, scrubbed and power hosed all weld surfaces twice then sanded and wire brushed like mad but there was still grease and grime left. Some of the welds are not that great due to this. I even had to open the doors to the garage because of all the smoke when welding, most smoke was coming from the inside of the member but still.
As you can see the k member has been dented by careless jacking from some of the 25+ previous owners so a big reinforcing skid plate is in order. As I said I ran out of gas there are more reinforcements I will be doing.