1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

I-Beam Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 03-29-2016, 11:59 AM
csm_274's Avatar
csm_274
csm_274 is offline
Freshman User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I-Beam Question

I have a 66 F250 that I wish to lower (1-2 inches) without replacing the original I-beams. Is it possible to lower the truck/chassis 1-2 inches with different springs/shocks? I'm not interested in replacing I-beams with DJM 3 inch drop beams or switching to IFS. Trying to get the truck a tad lower using the original i-beams. Thanks for any/all responses.
 
  #2  
Old 03-29-2016, 12:09 PM
ultraranger's Avatar
ultraranger
ultraranger is offline
Lead Driver
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Camden, Arkansas
Posts: 6,398
Likes: 0
Received 26 Likes on 23 Posts
The only way to lower your truck without using lowering beams would be to run shorter coil springs. However, the camber of the front tires is set by the height of the springs. If you start shortening the coils, you begin to induce negative camber into the wheels/tires (the front tires will lean inward at the top).



The only correct way to lower the truck is to install lowering beams.
 
  #3  
Old 03-29-2016, 12:13 PM
csm_274's Avatar
csm_274
csm_274 is offline
Freshman User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the feedback. One follow-up question...suppose I went with the lowering i-beams (like DJM 3 inch drops), is it possible to add 1-2 inches back to the ride height...and do it safely and in a mechanically sound way to avoid the camber issues? I know this may seem like odd questions, but I'm trying to get as much information regarding my options so I can make the best decision for our needs. Thanks again.
 
  #4  
Old 03-29-2016, 04:22 PM
ultraranger's Avatar
ultraranger
ultraranger is offline
Lead Driver
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Camden, Arkansas
Posts: 6,398
Likes: 0
Received 26 Likes on 23 Posts
You MAY be able to add or subtract some minor amout of spring height to adjust the overall vehicle height. Too much reduction though will result in negative camber, which is going to chew up the inner edges of the front tires. Too much addition to the height is going to result in positive camber that's going to chew up the outer edges of the tires.

It would probably be best just to contact DJM tech support and ask them what your options are, and what you're wanting to do, to see what they say can or can't be done.
 
  #5  
Old 03-30-2016, 11:43 AM
6t6merc's Avatar
6t6merc
6t6merc is offline
Cargo Master
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 2,679
Received 31 Likes on 29 Posts
You'll also run out of suspension travel. I've seen one lowered like you're contemplating. The camber didn't appear too bad (although it certainly was adversely affected) but the axles sat about an inch from the rubber stops. Truck looked cool though!
Eric
 
  #6  
Old 03-30-2016, 11:49 AM
csm_274's Avatar
csm_274
csm_274 is offline
Freshman User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
So I spoke to DJM and they no longer make the lowering beams for f250s (only make the ones for F100). I'm starting to get the impression it's not possible to lower the truck (without switching to IFS)...at least not safely/correctly.


Any more ideas from other forum members?
 
  #7  
Old 03-31-2016, 12:56 PM
TA455HO's Avatar
TA455HO
TA455HO is offline
Lead Driver
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 8,662
Received 522 Likes on 415 Posts
Some of these aftermarket suppliers are having to cover their a**es. Blackbird LLC - the guys in Bozeman, MT that made the front disk brake caliper brackets - got sued by someone involved in an accident and that was the end of their business.

.
 
  #8  
Old 03-31-2016, 03:41 PM
James_Western_Canada's Avatar
James_Western_Canada
James_Western_Canada is offline
Laughing Gas
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,034
Received 56 Likes on 46 Posts
Here is a listing of all the beams they make, they list two that will prob work, but you need to know your kingpin OD to select the correct one....

List of all beams
Dropped Lowering Spindles, Lowering I-beams | AirBagIt
 
  #9  
Old 04-01-2016, 08:34 PM
my 66's Avatar
my 66
my 66 is offline
Senior User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
hi csm 274, I sent you a pm, I lowered my 65 2in. with out buying new axles. It takes a little work but works great. check your pm for my phone number and give me a call, I will give you the details over the phone. Don
 
  #10  
Old 04-02-2016, 03:40 PM
James_Western_Canada's Avatar
James_Western_Canada
James_Western_Canada is offline
Laughing Gas
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,034
Received 56 Likes on 46 Posts
BTW: I understand that Sid Drapal, from Nostalgia Sid's/droppedaxles.com is slowly working on fixtures to enable him to drop the factory forged twin I beams. No ETA, as this is stricly a "spare time" project, and he stays plenty busy with work in the shop, plus attending events as a vendor....
I sure hope it's not YEARS away, as I am interested, but when I get to the point where I'm ready, if the beams are not, I may be forced to go another route.
 
  #11  
Old 04-06-2016, 07:07 PM
Marklea's Avatar
Marklea
Marklea is offline
New User
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I dropped mine by using Crown Suspension Lowering Springs, but then I had to adjust the camber by going to a spring shop that can bend I beams.
 
  #12  
Old 04-08-2016, 04:06 PM
facepalm's Avatar
facepalm
facepalm is offline
New User
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I just emailed Sid

To see if he will be dropping twins anytime soon. I have heard that rumor in the past, hopefully it's not a rumor now. I'll let everyone know what he says.

I did lower 2" in the front cutting the springs and it did cause noticeable negative camber, but I only put 100 miles on my truck a month.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CooGAR
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
01-10-2011 08:06 PM
dsrtjeeper
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
22
12-21-2010 11:27 PM
71fordkid
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
1
01-14-2008 01:35 PM
OneSweet81
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
02-16-2006 12:35 PM
mercuryman
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
03-07-2003 05:27 PM



Quick Reply: I-Beam Question



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:36 AM.