Its been quite a long time since my last post. But things are still moving on this project. I have had other priorities take place where this was put aside. Including prep for my oldest son's HS graduation and a father/son graduation project working on a 76 Datsun 280z.
As far as this project goes, and this thread, I am writing here today as I have something new to share.
This morning I purchased a AJE Suspension K-Member kit. Taking into advisement comments made earlier in this thread, I have spent a lot of time talking to the owner over the last year, as well as looking at other solutions, talking to those owners, and reading threads on this topic. I believe that I have made a sound decision and the issues which plagued the AJE company in the past have been worked out.
The K-Member is being sold to me with NO motor mounts. I will be building the motor mounts to be clamped on the K-Member with something like this roll cage tube clamp
OD Tube Clamp
Using this method will allow me pull the engine out and swap in a new engine and not have to cut and weld new motor mounts to the K-Member.
The kit will include the following...
-K-Member
-Adjustable Upper and Lower Control arms
-Coil Over Shocks
-Power Steering Rack (15 to 1 ratio)
-Steering Arms to move steering forward of K-Member
-Loose Metal to build clamp on Motor Mount
I will be curious to see what I think about the race suspension kit with the control arms having adjustable Heim joints over bushings. But swapping over to bushing shouldn't be too hard and something I will look at if needed.
The control arm setup I went for is the late model Post 1972 stuff. I really want the 65 to 72 4 piston brakes, mainly cause they are specific for the year and model of my car. But the late model control arms will allow me to get a set of common spindles with 4 inch piston brakes to throw under the car and get it on the ground than try to locate the setup I want in a hurry. This also allows me to run the larger ball joints. I can have the earlier knuckles re drill to accept the bigger joints if I end up going that route later. I really have no interest in following the crowed running aftermarket 4 pistons like Wilwoods or SSBC. Much rather have a Mopar setup. I am not running enough power to need the really large stuff.
Delivery of the parts should be Mid June. As such this thread will be silent from me until the big day I get the parts in, at which point you can bet I will be posting pictures. I will be keeping an eye on this thread to respond when needed.
With the parts not coming in till mid June, this allows me time to get the 280-z out of the garage and make room in the middle of the garage for the barracuda to move back. Currently it has a wood furniture cart under each tire allowing me to push the car sideways against the wall. Cheap and Easy. $15 each and if one breaks run to Harbor Freight and get another one.
I am postponing the rear end swap for next summer. I think enough will have been accomplished if I can get the front end under it with a engine installed ready to mod the wiring harness and plan the ECU location.
