Hey fellas. Before anyone gets upset or tells me to use the search function, I am NOT talking about a 4x4 conversion. I have a 78 f100 ranger, 2x4, and I don't really need it to be 4x4. However, I've seen/read about lots of gasser builds where a straight axle was installed instead of independent suspension. My reasoning would be simplicity (not that I beams are that complicated), better tire wear, and the ability to lift/lower without huge complications. I'm going for old school hotrod type truck with this, and I think a solid beam would be a unique and fun way to do that. Thoughts???

 

What solid beam would the correct/near correct width?

.. and what ya gonna do with the crossmember?

 

Probably leave the cross member alone. Since it wont have a diff, I think it should clear just fine. If I have to pull it and fab one/replace it, that's not really a major issue. As for the axle itself, I'll probably go pull one from a pre-1965 slick f100, then move my spindles and brakes over. I need to redo them anyway, so if a few things need to be altered, that's ok. I'm hoping my spindles should be bolt up or pretty close, maybe make an adapter plate or something.

 

Any more thoughts on this?

 

Those old gasser hot rods has a straight axle mounted to leaf springs, like a old 50 chevy truck front axle...or old F500 or F600 Ford trucks??? I think they had it?

If it is a short bed/rat rod with a monster motor go for it, of course add a flip front end with zoomies coming out the fenders.

Toss in a little "Bulldog" stance to the front end to show some D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F. attitude!

 

I do love the old gasser look, but unfortunately mine's a long bed (for now anyway ) but I'm more going for simplicity and an old school toughness. Independent suspension (even one as strong as I beams) just doesn't seem as strong. Plus the handling of my truck is crap, and I've heard the straight axle trucks are better.

 

It is just a cruise around town/moving/feel manly truck, not anything fancy either. But since I have to replace my springs, shocks, and every bushing in the front anyway....

 

A short bed is not a requirement...just an opinion.

That I beam set up is plenty strong for what it sounds like you are doing with it IMO.

As far handling....you know you are not driving a Indy car, lol but a long bed pick up truck. Not exactily a rocket on rails, you got there.

You know there are better and easier ways than doing a solid axle swap to get better handling. Like adding front and rear sway bars with some good shocks will help, along with a Red Head steering box and a new rag joint.

 

People have been punishing I beams through the desert for fifty years, they're tough.

However, it sounds cool, so go for it, and take pics!

 

I know I beams are strong, but there's something old school and tough about a solid axle. Not sure what made me think of it, but we'll have to see. I'll keep you guys posted if I get to it this summer.