Question for QA 1 Front suspension users

[Mixed-up XP]

For you guys using these components. I am getting ready to pull the trigger on buying my front end parts...I would like to know the pros and cons of using the full set-up (QA 1 upper, lower control arms and K-member parts) vs. using my factory K-member and adding the QA 1 upper and lower control arm parts?
Thanks,

 

[peabodyracin]

Some weight savings with QA1 K vs oem. Really cleans up the underside of the car. Strut rods are very nice looking too.

 

[biomedtechguy]

Some weight savings with QA1 K vs oem. Really cleans up the underside of the car. Strut rods are very nice looking too.

All of that!
When I was faced with the front suspension options, keep in mind I was putting together a lot of parts and systems, and I don't have all that much money. The ONLY reason why I mention the budget is I would have really liked a rack and pinion steering setup, but they all would have more than doubled what I spent on the complete QA1 front suspension components, K-member included.
So this doesn't get lost in my post, I believe it's critically important to use SPC front upper control arms. I suggest contacting a vendor forum sponsor, Bergman Auto, about the SPC UCAs he has available, and if he has any of the "older" ones, get a pair, or if he is out, get the newer version. They are FAR better than the QA1 units.
Including the K-member just really ties it all together. I like the factory engineering, but done with modern materials and technique. IF I would have gone rack and pinion, GERST (now under the QA1 umbrella) would definitely have been my choice.
A couple of pix of my 70 Roadrunner

 

[peabodyracin]

Full disclosure: I've posted on this forum before about my dealings with QA1. In fact they used my 69 Coronet for all their final fitting and mock ups, trying all combinations of OEM and QA1 to make sure everything worked as it should. They kept my car for a number of months while this work went on. The year before they'd borrowed my 69 Satellite roller for initial measurements and dialing in for production. I was quite impressed with the guys doing the work. Smart, detailed, aggressive, genuine enthusiasts. If you do some searching on their website there's a video showing the conversion, featuring my car. It's orange.

I'm also partial to the powder coating, as that work is done by the powder coating outfit I'd run until my retirement a few years back. We also paint their red and silver shock bodies. It had been a pleasure dealing with the QA1 folks. They're a first rate group of people.

 

[wish4hemi]

Here’s an installation article that might give you an idea of the setup:
https://moparconnectionmagazine.com...qa1-k-member-completes-this-a-body-front-end/

 

[biomedtechguy]

Another couple of notes, that directly affected my decision to use QA1, which is a "modernized" implementation of the factory engineering. My primary uses for my Roadrunner are cruising to local car shows, anywhere from 20 minutes drive, up to 2 hours away. Cruisin the Coast is a week's worth of traveling up to 45 miles along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, anywhere from a few miles to the whole route and back. That is an annual event I look forward to as my only guaranteed vacation.
The huge amount of money and parts/systems I've recently put into my Roadrunner were focused mostly on quarter mile performance, especially "the launch" and 60 ft times. Subframe connectors, torque boxes, Calvert split mono leaf springs, Strange chromoly everything from the slip yoke to the pinion yoke included, and 1350 solid U-joints. Assassin traction bars and slider mounts. I want to maximize my performance available with my current 440 6bbl, but the main reason why I went "bulletproof" is the 540 cu in torque monster I have planned. I also have a HitMaster launch control system and RXT dual disc clutch and pressure plate, so I'm going to really be stressing the drivetrain.
I'm writing all that because the QA1 may be the best setup for my primary purposes, whereas if I was looking for the best "corner carver" rack and pinion and coilovers up front w/a 4 link and coilover rear suspension may have been better.

 

[Mike67]

Haven't gotten to really drive mine yet, but loved the fit and finish. All the parts are very high quality.

 

[Mixed-up XP]

Thanks for the replies...also thanks for the pics. I've been leaning on getting the full set-up, just wanted to see what others were running. Yes, the QA1 K does free up alot of space. Looks like the oil filter change will be lot less messy, No more wrapping everything in plastic bags or aluminum foil.

 

[Sixtycycle]

Biomedtech guy!!! your inbox is full
Or I’d be PMing.
I’d love to talk through what all bits and parts, troubles, wins etc if you have the time.
I need to get my Frontend under control and can’t decide on the direction but you have me listening for sure. 69’ RR 3610lb street car hitting high 8 ticks, so I’m getting pretty sketchy on the stock front parts and they are fairly busted up so she’s due for freshen for sure. Lost her for 16 years and now have it back but she needs some front suspension TLC.
Thanks

 

[What’s up dock]

Thanks for the replies...also thanks for the pics. I've been leaning on getting the full set-up, just wanted to see what others were running. Yes, the QA1 K does free up alot of space. Looks like the oil filter change will be lot less messy, No more wrapping everything in plastic bags or aluminum foil.

I don’t know what engine combo you’re planning on running, but I just put their k-member on my 70 challenger. I’m running a gen 3 hemi stroker, so I wanted more clearance for the oil filter. Wow, I now have loads of room. Fit like a glove. The only thing I had to do is clean out some of the powder coating from the strut rod hole, so the Hotchkis ones would fit. They use a solid bushing, so it wouldn’t have been a problem with factory bushings. If I didn’t already have a spare k member blasted and painted for my charger, I would have bought another one for that.

 

[biomedtechguy]

Biomedtech guy!!! your inbox is full
Or I’d be PMing.
I’d love to talk through what all bits and parts, troubles, wins etc if you have the time.
I need to get my Frontend under control and can’t decide on the direction but you have me listening for sure. 69’ RR 3610lb street car hitting high 8 ticks, so I’m getting pretty sketchy on the stock front parts and they are fairly busted up so she’s due for freshen for sure. Lost her for 16 years and now have it back but she needs some front suspension TLC.
Thanks

I'm sorry about the inbox, but my FBBO Gold membership expired at a bad time, and I can't renew it just yet.
In a nutshell:
I like the factory engineering design of the front suspension, especially for its strength and chassis "stiffening" or the way the torsion bars tie things together. QA-1 is basically Iike the factory suspension with the best components and when you add in a highly adjustable UCA, that improves on it even more.
Many/most QA1 parts are compatible with the factory parts, so you can replace sections piecemeal.
Ask QA1 to be certain.