The k-member holds a whole lot of stuff on your car. The engine mounts are attached to the k-member. The steering rack, and all the front suspension stuff kinda works around the k-member. There's a whole lot of stuff that you have to take off to get the k-member out. I'm not sure what's absolutely required since I took so much stuff out for my header installation, but it's a lot of hard work. Especially without a lift.