I am a novice on suspension and I am trying to find out what kind of front suspension I have in my truck right now and what will be the best upgrade. I read that it is something called twin I-beam suspension. Is that similar to independent suspension? Is the current suspension works good with my truck and I just need to replace the bad parts? Or is there an aftermarket suspension that will give me good handling?

I want to know my option and so, do not want to tie myself down to a budget right now.

Looking forward to some very good suggesstions from you guys.


- Nayan.

 

You have the twin I-beam suspension, which is a form of independent suspension. There are a couple different kinds. TIB is very strong, but handles like a turd and the alignment likes to drift out.

If you want something that handles good, sell your pickup. You're driving the wrong vehicle. There isn't anything you can do to make it handle good that's also cheap.

 

I don't think I am driving the wrong vehicle. Perhaps you did not understand my question. I am not comparing drivability of a car to a truck. I know truck is a truck and car is a car.

I know my truck is 26 yrs old now and I do not know what kind of abuse it took before I own it a year ago. I want to put a good suspension system back on the truck - be it just replacement or a good aftermarket system.

So, if there is some good advices here, I am listening.

 

Some response please !

 

If you want good handling, start with a nice set of wheels and tires. That is after all, where the "rubber meets the road." Be careful though, unless you intend on spending quite a bit more on lift kit, putting gigantic tires on the fronts of these vehicles is a pain in regards to alignment issues...

I also recommend installing a set of anti-sway bars or refurbishing the bushings in your existing ones. I installed a set of ADDCO bars on my F-100 (front & rear) and it made a world of difference. And of course, a set of new shocks help also...

 

I think the best thing you can do, like Gene says, is get a good set of shocks and tires. There are no aftermarket suspensions, aside from a lift, that I know of. The best way to improve the factory suspension is to return it to original specs. Replacing the bushings and other rubber components will probably help the ride some.

 

Now we are getting somewhere ! Thanks !!

Well, I do not intend to run big wheels. But I would like to go with at least 16" wheels. Is that possible? What size tire would be considered appropriate for that size?

 

The older trucks were slung pretty low. You *might* be able to get 16" wheels for it, but there wouldn't be much room for rubber. I would say not a lot bigger than stock, overall.

Try asking this in the '73 to '79 forum - they might be able to answer this better.