Need Opinions on D&D Motorsport Front Suspension Kit For Mustang

atomic_stang · 03-29-2004

I'm considering purchasing lower control arms, coil over kit, and k-member from D&D. I need a tubular k-member for a turbo project for my '99 GT but I figured I may as well go all the way. I'm not planning on road racing, I only want to lower the car about 1.5", improve the handling as much as possible without killing the ride and above all, provide clearance for the turbo. Anybody had any experience with these components? I know Max Motorsports makes a better kit but they're just not in my budget. But I'm really concerned about the safety of D&D. - Thanks

GTRaptor · 04-01-2004

Never tried it but D&D has a good rep. I guess it would be safe for a street car.

**ScottHalliday** · 04-01-2004

I agree with Rob. I guess it would be safe for a street car. Have you considered Maximum Motorsports. Only one I am familiar with enough to know it is definately strong enough not to crack under extreme driving conditions whether that be street, strip or track..

atomic_stang · 04-01-2004

I looked at maximum motorsports but their basic front suspension packages totals $1260 for MM K-Member ($650), MM Front Control arms ($350), and MM Front Coil-Over Conversion kit ($260).

The D&D kit I've found costs $550 and includes the D&D k-member,
D&D control arms, and D&D Front coil over kit. Seems too cheap I know, the company selling the D&D kit is on Ebay which also has me a little leery. Search for Item #2455304502 and judge for yourself. They're selling the kits for $550 when D&D is selling the items individually on their website for $810. Shall I roll the dice?

What about the QA1 Motorsports k-member?

TobyBall · 04-20-2004

My understanding is that the QA1 may work with the stock control arms with a little massaging, not sure about the D&D, pretty sure the Maximum only works with the Maximum control arms, so that it cannot be done partially or in stages... all or nothing, and although it is the best, it is only a bargain compared to others who charge as much or more for more questionable quality, reliability, and service.

D&D is just up the road from here, so one of these days I will check them out in person and post what I learn.

BIG QUESTION: Since you say you are not road racing or doing serious track days, then why mess with refitting the whole from suspension?? Why not some nice springs and struts, and the bump steer kit to resolve the new roll center? Through in a good alignment and some good tires and you will have a very worthy street and track day car.

I know it is nice to have all the trick stuff, just to have it, but I can think of a lot of areas where that money would be really effective on a hot street car... did you say it has a turbo? Can you say extra rear tires?

70 Fastback under restoration... needs lotsa money, and then some... my 70 convertible is still awaiting another cash infusion, a five figure one.

But if ya won the lotto, and don't want to adopt me... go for it!

Definitely want to hear about what you find out... will let you know if I find more info to add.

atomic_stang · 04-24-2004

Thanks for your input Toby,
The only real reason I have for installing a tubular k-member is for turbo clearance. On 99 up mustangs, I'll go out on a limb here, it is impossible to install a turbo without going tubular. The tubular gives you extra clearance for the turbo plumbing. Yeah, you might be able to hack on your existing k-member, but thats just not safe. Or you could just run the plumbing under the k-member, but it probably wouldnt take a very big speed bump or dip in the road to hit the exhaust and do severe damage. But if you want to do things right on a 99 up (not sure on earlier models), you've gotta go tubular. And I want to do it as cheaply, easily, and safely as possible.

Here's what I've found out so far:

Maximum Motorsports - WAY to expensive for my budget. But if I ever decide to go road racing, they're the guys I want to talk to.

D&D Performance - I sent a few emails to these guys and let's just say I didn't get a warm fuzzy about them. They're emails were blunt and not very informative and they ignored a lot of my questions. If they want people to plunk over $750, they might want to answer their questions.

QA1 - They've got a great price, their k-member will accept stock arms and struts, and they seem to be the most professional company of the three. They're ISO-9001 certified so they're required to have a quality control program in place which would lead you to believe they probably have the highest quality standards. And I haven't read anything bad them either.

I'm gonna go with just the QA1 k-member for now and maybe upgrade the arms and struts if I stay within budget on the turbo install.