Should I delete this bracket off GMS K-member?

[90mustangGT]

I am thinking of cutting off the G-load brace welded on the Granatelli K-member I got. I am also thinking of cutting off the swaybar links on the A-arms. Most K-members don't have this, but I ended getting a roadrace unit. I wanted lighter. The one bar is removable by a two bolts. The only thing is that it's so well welded that it's going to be a real chore to cut it off with a cutting wheel. I would sell it but no one will give me anything for it because "it's used" although I just test fit it on the car with no motor, which it bolted right up, but still.

Here is a Pic:

 

[srothfuss]

Best way to break a weld is with a chisle and a BMFH.

Why would you want to remove the brackets? You could just leave them and not hook up the parts that connect to them...

 

[90mustangGT]

Weight is the issue. This K-member weighs 35lbs as it sits. The UPR unit is 21lbs according to UPR, the UPR A-arms are the same weight. Removing the one bolt on cross brace removes 3-4lbs. I am estimating that by removing that big brace that is welded to the bottom of the K-member, I can shed another 5-7lbs, and at least a pound or two from each side A-arm. It still won't probally be as light as a UPR or other drag race unit, but it will still be stronger and beefier and comparable. I am not running a swaybar, I gave it away about a month ago.

 

[srothfuss]

Well, if it's weight you are worried about, then go ahead and take out your hammer and get to work! It will take a long time to chisle the bracket off.

 

[Grn92LX]

Its only 5lbs man, i'd leave it to not ruin the structural integrity of it.

 

[90mustangGT]

Its only 5lbs man, i'd leave it to not ruin the structural integrity of it.

I hear that a lot. I took it to work thinking about doing some cutting and some guys were saying "don't ruin it, that's a stong looking unit" and "that holds your motor, suspension, and chassis togeather, I would rather have something really strong..."

It just adds bulk as well as weight. I'll probally just leave it and after the car is togeather decide from there.... I still don't know.

 

[Numbles]

Leave it as it sits. Who knows. You might want to go out and do an autox with the car. And with this setup you can bolt a sway bar on and go have some fun. No worrying about bending a lesser built unit.

 

[TIMMY2734]

I think the UPR is made from chromoly, so thats where most of the weight is coming from.

 

[NosPony]

UPR units are made my D&D motorsports. My friend ordered there tubular front end kit and they said it was made by D&D. Someone could of lied to him but who knows.

I would leave it alone too man. Dont want to risk structual integrity of something that at high speeds if it fails you are f***ed. Better safe than sorry.

 

[QDRHRSE]

I would not worry about the extra weight. Don't risk your life over a couple of pounds.

 

[90mustangGT]

Well, I'm not going to cut it, I am going to try to sell it. I looked it up on summit and the K-member is $399 and the A-arms are $291, so I really got a deal. $700 worth for $500. It woudl be like ordering a A-trim and the company sending you a S-trim.

I was going to experiment to see what it would take to cut it off, took a cutting wheel and just cut the corner of one weld, wow did they weld it thick. Gave up at that point.