ALTER-K $

[mopardude318]

i also havent installed my alterkion yet, got it last summer...but i must have taken it out 50 times to play with it..it was well worth the money, and bill was so helpful when i was ordering...thank you bill!                                         

and i couldnt believe that question....

[rtexpress]

After buiding a tube frame drag car I know that you couldn't custom build a front end like this for anything close to the cost you can buy this for especally if you have to have it all done in a shop.  It is one fine piece of work and like as stated above the customer service is first rate.   I do understand the question if someone is just looking at prices and hasn't really checked into diffrent products and understand what it takes to design something like this  Once you've been around Mopars for a few years you findout how much speicalty items like this just aren't that available and some of the ones that are I've found are alot of times not that well engineered.  I've never been one to balk at spending money on good well designed products and the AlterK is diffently one of these products.  I will admit that I was a little concerned with the price to at first but after reading all the positive reviews on this front end on this site and others I decided to give it a try and was glad I did!

[abodyjoe]

is this the kit you are saying is $1200   ?? http://www.unisteer.com/home.php?cat=250     thats just a plate that will let you bolt a rack onto your k-frame...   the alter-k like already stated is a complete system....  there is just no compareing them...

[Ace]

I'm a little disapointed in some of the comments posted for a simple question.  I don't know ANY parties that post on this site, and it was plain as day that the poster of the question had no idea who runs/maintains this site, as I didn't either, but could draw my own conclusions from the links section.

I do however applaud Bill for being a stand up guy and calmly explaining why his system is the best out there, and the reasons it is a little spendy.  Me being 24 years old KNOWING I'm one of the younger posters and just in awe of some of the responses, and am embarassed for you.  I've always had good luck posting questions and getting good feedback, and maybe that's why this upsets me a little bit.  I'm VERY new to Mopars, but not to drag racing, and I"m sure I could school a few of you in building small block Ford's and Fox body Mustangs, yet I don't put that on a pedestal, and would never hold it over your head.  Some of us don't have 3G's sitting in liquid assets do drop on somthing like that, and I don't want a loan, and have never had a loan on any of my hot rods, and don't plan on it either.

Sorry for the negative post, I just had to get that out in the air.  I too some day plan on going with the AlterK front end, when I can save my pennies. 

[Cudadust]

The question was valid because the poster requested information on the differences in the two units.  Bill answered the question and that should suffice.  I have another question, when will the Air Ride system become available and will Air Ride be available for the rear end suspension system??

[Bill_Reilly]

I have another question, when will the Air Ride system become available and will Air Ride be available for the rear end suspension system??

Air ride's been available for the front since July of last year, and yes, air kits are out for b and e on the rear. If you have an a-body, the rear kit will be done pretty soon, and air or coils will be available with that one as well.

[Cudadust]

Thanks for the response, wish money came that easy, I have all A-bodies will stay tuned for updates,

[Ace]

The question was valid because the poster requested information on the differences in the two units.  Bill answered the question and that should suffice. 

My post was just showing how embarassed I am that the first 7 or 8 responses after the question was asked had nothing to do with the explanation, but had everything to do with mocking the poster of the question.  That's embarassing to me, also being a newer user of this board.  I hope I don't expect too much out of some of you guys, but it was a very legit question, I just hate seeing the mocking of it.  I thought the same thing about that set up right after I aquired my Dart, I just did a little more reading than he did, that's all.

[moparrr07]

i just have to add another: this would be like comparing a $20 aluminum  indy crate engine to some engine a guy fabed out of sheet metal in his back yard, this system is the whole deal, not just a pair of suspension arms with a piece of steel in the center

[Evan]

Mr. Reilly - I looked on the RMS Web site - do you have any information we could see on the rear suspension setups? sounds awesome.    -Evan

[abodyjoe]

The question was valid because the poster requested information on the differences in the two units.  Bill answered the question and that should suffice. 

My post was just showing how embarassed I am that the first 7 or 8 responses after the question was asked had nothing to do with the explanation, but had everything to do with mocking the poster of the question. That's embarassing to me, also being a newer user of this board. I hope I don't expect too much out of some of you guys, but it was a very legit question, I just hate seeing the mocking of it. I thought the same thing about that set up right after I aquired my Dart, I just did a little more reading than he did, that's all.

  i think it was more about how it was asked  not what was asked...

[sycboi]

The question was valid because the poster requested information on the differences in the two units.  Bill answered the question and that should suffice. 

My post was just showing how embarassed I am that the first 7 or 8 responses after the question was asked had nothing to do with the explanation, but had everything to do with mocking the poster of the question.  That's embarassing to me, also being a newer user of this board.  I hope I don't expect too much out of some of you guys, but it was a very legit question, I just hate seeing the mocking of it.  I thought the same thing about that set up right after I aquired my Dart, I just did a little more reading than he did, that's all.

Bottom line is that those of us who have been around awhile or longer have heard all the questions a hundred times over and the poster never does a simple search that could easily gain many answers to his question or questions.  Do you have any idea how many times in all the years I have been lurking around I have read one single legit bad comment about Bill's products...the answer is never ever period.  Just takes a simple search brother...

[Bill_Reilly]

Mr. Reilly - I looked on the RMS Web site - do you have any information we could see on the rear suspension setups? sounds awesome. -Evan

Not yet really. I'm waiting for laser cut parts to have the final systems ready for picture taking and all that. In general, it's a triangulated 4-bar for street/handling use. It's uses circle track-style left/right threaded tubes and big rod ends for the links, making it completely adjustable, the shocks are mounted ahead of the axle to allow the stock a-body gas tank, and it can use air or coils. The lower links bolt on, and the upper links/upper shock mounts are on one crossbar that locates with an existing bolt in the car and then gets welded on. Obviously that makes welding required, but no technical measuring is needed, so most guys can put one in.
  My goal with it was to build the simplest possible link-style suspension that was cheap, adjustable and handled well, and still be easy to install. I used it last year on my own car and it proved to be nice working street system without cutting up the car...I like simple things that work. I also hand-built one for an a-body at SEMA last fall, and that car is now being driven with good results - it's running Mopar's new 440 smallblock with a 5speed and the owner loves it.

It's NOT a drag race system though - nothing beats a regular 4-link for that use. A triangulated 4-bar doesn't have the instant center adjustments needed for real drag race use, so on the strip, it would only be fair - kind of like vettes or vipers trying to drag race - they can do it, but it's not where they really shine.

[Evan]

sounds awesome - I cant wait till theyre ready!

[4spdfury]

may be it was that most of the people that use this site are hardcore supportors of bills and took the guys question as a threat and not a simple question from some one thats ignorant to this sytem. i didnt know anything about this sytem until i found this web site. maybe he should have done some reshearch about the front end before he asked his question , but he didnt and he got attacked for being ignorant. give the guy a break. there a few guys on here that seem to be stand up guys. they dont jump on people for not knowing they answer peoples questions with out being a jerk. just because this is bill web site doesnt mean it should be a free forall on ignorant people.

[Ace]

The question was valid because the poster requested information on the differences in the two units.  Bill answered the question and that should suffice. 

My post was just showing how embarassed I am that the first 7 or 8 responses after the question was asked had nothing to do with the explanation, but had everything to do with mocking the poster of the question.  That's embarassing to me, also being a newer user of this board.  I hope I don't expect too much out of some of you guys, but it was a very legit question, I just hate seeing the mocking of it.  I thought the same thing about that set up right after I aquired my Dart, I just did a little more reading than he did, that's all.

Bottom line is that those of us who have been around awhile or longer have heard all the questions a hundred times over and the poster never does a simple search that could easily gain many answers to his question or questions.  Do you have any idea how many times in all the years I have been lurking around I have read one single legit bad comment about Bill's products...the answer is never ever period.  Just takes a simple search brother...

This will be my last post on the subject, but I didn't see anybody critisizing the product.  It was a simple question, that some of you took the wrong way.  It was a harmless question, and some of you jumped on him for no good reason.

About seeing the questions asked, guess how many more times you'll hear it, I'm sure quite a bit more, it's the internet.  I'm sure you've been around a lot longer than I have, and probably know a few things more about certain items.  The catch is, there are younger people than me, and the SCAREY part is, THERE'S MORE PEOPLE BEING MADE EVER DAY!  *GASP*  Fact of life is the questions will be asked, and some times search options don't work, or people are new to forums and don't see it.  Is it annoying that I get asked all kinds of questions I hear all the time, yes.  Do I make fun of people or tear them down, no.  Thus my point on an informative website like this embarasses me for you.  That's all.

[automan63]

I recently posted a response to someone else's post and got a flaming PM for it. Then exchanged flames back and forth via PM (stupid thing to do on my part).     In retrospect, (which is always convenient)  I would have posted differently than I did had I taken the time to re-read what I was about to post from a readers perspective. What is in type is not always indicative of what the person really means to convey. That's what makes all forum's hard sometimes. I'm fairly sure this person didnt post that question hoping or looking to get flamed, but I can see (now) why his post got taken the way it did. I've learned (and am quite obviously still learning) that what you say (verbally) can sound a whole lot different when you read it in print minus all the facial expressions and voice inflections that would make ones statement/question very acceptable in person. So maybe my PM buddie will forgive me,   maybe not. Thought I would post this as my way of saying "welcome to the fray, just be careful what you say".   Just my 2. Jeff. BTW I've re-read this post three times before posting 

[Think3205]

i haven't bought my alterk yet but i'm really looking forward to it because i'm the kind of guy that like to take turns as well as go in a straight line. i will probably get the stiffest springs and the sway bar as well... the only thing about all that is that i have a stock rear end still!!! i'm not sure what to do with that...

[automan63]

... the only thing about all that is that i have a stock rear end still!!! i'm not sure what to do with that...

Patients Grasshopper...Patients... When it's time to snatch the pebble from the hand you will know what to do...

I was'nt sure what to do with mine either, but read this whole post from top to bottom and you may find your answer...........I did.

[Think3205]

... the only thing about all that is that i have a stock rear end still!!! i'm not sure what to do with that...

Patients Grasshopper...Patients... When it's time to snatch the pebble from the hand you will know what to do...

I was'nt sure what to do with mine either, but read this whole post from top to bottom and you may find your answer...........I did.

  i know... i read the whole thing top to bottom too, the perks of passing first grade... but yes i did read that Bill was working on something for the rear end, but i am just unsure of what to do while i drive around with the alterk on the front until then...

[abodyjoe]

but i am just unsure of what to do while i drive around with the alterk on the front until then...

  just enjoy it...

[sycboi]

Bottom line is that those of us who have been around awhile or longer have heard all the questions a hundred times over and the poster never does a simple search that could easily gain many answers to his question or questions.  Do you have any idea how many times in all the years I have been lurking around I have read one single legit bad comment about Bill's products...the answer is never ever period.  Just takes a simple search brother...

This will be my last post on the subject, but I didn't see anybody critisizing the product.  It was a simple question, that some of you took the wrong way.  It was a harmless question, and some of you jumped on him for no good reason.

About seeing the questions asked, guess how many more times you'll hear it, I'm sure quite a bit more, it's the internet.  I'm sure you've been around a lot longer than I have, and probably know a few things more about certain items.  The catch is, there are younger people than me, and the SCAREY part is, THERE'S MORE PEOPLE BEING MADE EVER DAY!  *GASP*  Fact of life is the questions will be asked, and some times search options don't work, or people are new to forums and don't see it.  Is it annoying that I get asked all kinds of questions I hear all the time, yes.  Do I make fun of people or tear them down, no.  Thus my point on an informative website like this embarasses me for you.  That's all.

I totally understand your point of view on this matter.  I never "jump" on people for anything less than a blatant bashing of the weak and/or innocent.  My point here is that if one chooses to go back thru pages of information and educate themselves it would lead to less of the band wagon jumping you see sometimes.  Bill R. is very well respected around here and even on other car forums.  He certainly needs no help from anyone justifying his products, services, ect. 

If people would use common sense there would be alot less bashing than there is.  I'm not talking about the author of the first post in this thread.  I mean all the haters in general.  Whether it be about off-shore parts, Anna Nicole, or Twinkies.  If you can't say something nice at least try to be educated about the topic. 

Alot of people on this site suprised me in watching them offer one man and his family their respects over a death and completely bash another person (Anna Nicole) who at the end of the day was one of God's children no less than any other.  Most of you people didn't know either of the departed, but you judged each on how it would read on the screen.  I've met Mr. Preston and am so sorry for his loss.  I have no doubt his son was a man worth his weight.  I never knew Anna, but give her that same courtesy.  Didn't you all agree we should show eachother a little more love?

-Michael

[Ace]

I couldn't agree more, as you will never see me post in threads slandering a human being, certainly not sombody who has passed whom I know nothing about other than media views.

[loiq]

I haven't read all the posts but I will say I think the OP's question is legit. It's similar to a guy who wonder's why his bill from the body shop is $15-20K.

In addition to the raw steel and parts you see on the front end you also have to figure in the cost engineer, design and build the unit plus the customer support you get with it. You get what you pay for - you want something thrown together by a guy in his garage you won't pay as much you would if you bought it from a guy with a staff and who engineers everything so it works better than stock. So yeah, like your $15K paint job most guys would say, "$15K? For what? A gallon of paint is only $50!" but there's hundreds of hours of labor, experience, shop supplies and infrastructure that go with it.

As for the MII fronts, many companies like Heidt's make that front end to fit literally hundreds of cars - the only real difference is the crossmember, so they have lots of parts commonality.

Just my $.02

[abodyjoe]

the only real difference is the crossmember, so they have lots of parts commonality.

  thats not really true...  the only parts that may interchange is the rack and some of the brake stuff..   the spindles for the alter-k are customized so they really aren't off the shelf items.. and all the control arms are made from bill.

[loiq]

the only real difference is the crossmember, so they have lots of parts commonality.

  thats not really true...  the only parts that may interchange is the rack and some of the brake stuff..   the spindles for the alter-k are customized so they really aren't off the shelf items.. and all the control arms are made from bill.

I was talking about the Mustang II cross members - the OP was saying the MII stuff was so much cheaper, well it's cheaper for that reason - there's a ton of them out there.

[abodyjoe]

the only real difference is the crossmember, so they have lots of parts commonality.

  thats not really true...  the only parts that may interchange is the rack and some of the brake stuff..   the spindles for the alter-k are customized so they really aren't off the shelf items.. and all the control arms are made from bill.

I was talking about the Mustang II cross members - the OP was saying the MII stuff was so much cheaper, well it's cheaper for that reason - there's a ton of them out there.

  gotch ya..

[BRANDON]

This the first time I posted on this board.My brother and I have purchesed three of the Alterkation front ends from Bill.We just finished installing one in the 67 Hemi
cuda and now installing one in my 71 Demon.With out a dought ,they are worth every penny ypu pay for them. Once you put one of these units on your car,you will never want to go back to stanard steering.Tou also will never find a better person to deal with.

[mopardude318]