I-Beam Ford

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Dec 20, 2002 | 10:48 PM

TryMe

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I-Beam Ford

This may sound weird. But has anyone ever narrowed the front width of a I-beam Ford truck? I like to narrow the front axle ( which is I-beams) about four inches total. Or two inches each side. I'm not talking about cutting and welding the I-beams,I know its wrong and should not be done. But I have thought about changing were the I-beams mount. to further in. I thing It could be done. But the Coil springs won't let me. One person said do away with the original coil springs move the mounts,then ad air bags to the I-beams but on the inside of the frame.Ya ! Any Ideas ??????

Dec 20, 2002 | 10:59 PM

SoCalDesertRider

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I-Beam Ford

Maybe you could convert to a single solid front axle, like the one-tons, then you could have the housing and shafts made to whatever length you want, as long as you have enough room to mount the springs. I have heard of people converting I-Beam F250's to solid axle 'monobeam' frontend before. Im curious as to why you want to narrow the front axle?

Dec 20, 2002 | 11:22 PM

steve83

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From: Memphis, TN

I-Beam Ford

Yeah, why? You'd lose some serious steering angle; the shocks wouldn't mount; you'd have to redesign the steering linkage; you'd have MUCH more sway; and you'd also have to cut down the R axleshaft 4".

Dec 21, 2002 | 05:21 PM

TryMe

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I-Beam Ford

The I-beam front is under a early model ford. It does not reall look bad,but the front wheels and tires are about even with the edge of the fenders. Just figured if it could be done,the wheels would look better a little more under the front fenders. Well thats for the reply.
Happy Holidays :-X12

Dec 21, 2002 | 08:25 PM

91f250460

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I-Beam Ford

Couldn't you get rims with a different offset that would tuck the wheel/tire combo further inside the fender to accomplish the same thing but maintain ride quality.
T. Roberts
UFD Local 1147