Personally all the "so-called kits" look backyard built. Hemi Denny plates look laser or water jet cut I will give him that, but the RMS square tube is hookey looking though I am sure strong. Round tube is better from theory though much harder to make consistent then a laser cut flange or plates.
My big issue is more about durability then weight. I am hard on my cars and tough is king in my book. I can save the weight with aluminum heads and light engine components, like small alternators and p/s pumps which could get me to the 100# savings quickly.
The inherent design flaw is not welding or heim vs. ball-joint but the lack of structural integrity. Heims are tough and will last, but the fail quick compared to a ball-joint that "generally" fail slower. Heims or Rod ends were not originally made for the pounding of the suspension, but have over the years have evolved to be a street-able option.
I look at the factory K-member as a big strap the that ties the front end together to make it one big unit and to stiffen up the chassis. The idea or principle is similar to sub-frame connectors. That being said then why should I have less material that is smaller and weak comparatively to factory. If the design and engineering is changed to include a better grade of materials i.e., D.O.M. or chrome-molly then I can see the justification for light and smaller tubing. To my knowledge (which is limited for sure) I see no mention of that in any of the products features and benefits.
I am not here to bag-on anyone person nor brand, but I am here to question the validity of the products and their corresponding characteristics.
Please prove me wrong, for I will always except the better for the worse...
