Well, I got the I beams in yesterday. Lot of work. I did run into the lock pin fit problem on the passenger side kingpin. Seems like after so long that could of been corrected. I ended up "staking" the hole with a cold chisel and got an "interference" fit. I was worried about the toe-in as when I set the truck down and rolled it back in forth in the driveway it was way the hell toed out. This might be to longer AIM beams, the front wheels were already much wider that the rears anyway but they look a little wider now. I was able to use the Quickor front sway bar that was on the truck without modification. I set the toe by eye for starters but it took about 5 or 7 rotations of the adjuster sleeve. I have tire fit issues due to having 265/70-15 Michelin CrossTerrains which are large. I had to install twist-in spacers on both sides just to get it off the tires and driveable but still have rub on hard turning such as into the driveway from the street. I tested it on the road for cornering. I have Gabriel gas shocks and front and rear Quickor bars and it will get around a corner flat. I want to bring the back down but don't want to lose to much load capacity plus some wider wheels for the back to match up the front width. Maybe some new leaf springs? BTW, this is a 66 F100 Custom Cab Short Bed Styleside.

Mark

 

Mark,

I think you know that we'll have to see a picture...

How about a rear spring hanger kit from DJM?

I'll show you mine if you show me yours, HAHA!

 

Another problem I ran into was that the thickness of the lower portion of the tie-rod relocator didn't allow the tie-rod threaded stem to extend up enough for the castle nut and cotter pin. I had to use a thinner cotter pin so as to coax it through the stem and out the other side of the castle nut to secure it.

 

Today I measured by old Ford Ibeams (1978's) and they are 44 inches kingpin center to pivot bushing center same as the AIMs. I think I did lose some of that great turning radius due to the bulky ends of the beams. Also today I took out the rear leafs and took out the bottom 4 leaves of the total nine to see how it would look and behave. Road tested and it feels great, dropped about 2 or 3 inches in the back and smoothed the ride. I won't be hauling any concrete soon.

Mark

 

I am finishing up the AIM I-Beams installation and have worked out most of the problems but need longer brake hoses. I have 78 spindles and disc brakes. Can someone recommend a make and model of a brake hose that will give me the extra length needed? Thanks.