Ford I-beams
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 64
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From: California
Ford I-beams
on my 1985 f150 my front tires always wear funny on the outsides is this from fords i-beam setup? Has any body found any drop ibeams that let you align your front end correctly and look good?
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 637
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From: Forest Hill, MD
I guess you truck is 2wd because you call them I-beams, and yeah thats probably the problem. I know for 4wds you can get offset ball joint spacers to correct alignment issues, but not sure about 2wds. Find a good alignment shop in your area preferably one with a bunch of old ford trucks out front and they should be able to help you. You would think as long as that frontend design has been around just about anyone could align it but a lot of shops have no clue so ask other ford owners in your area who they recommend.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 353
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From: Mid-Missouri
Sometimes that is caused by high speed turning. It is very typical of TTB and twin I-beams. I've had 4 different ford trucks 1980-1990 that all had problems with tire were on the outside edge. The cupping I've seen is caused by sharp turning especially at higher speeds.
The best thing to do is just keep tires rotated and have the alignment checked regularly. This is where lifetime alignment agreements will pay for themselves.
The best thing to do is just keep tires rotated and have the alignment checked regularly. This is where lifetime alignment agreements will pay for themselves.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 817
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My '86 has eccentric inserts around the upper ball joints that allows the alignment to be adjusted. I agree - try to get to a shop that works on trucks - most shops have "kids" doing the alignments and if your truck is older than the alignment tech is, they have no idea how to work on it.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 114
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From: Tyrone GA
The i beam on the 80's series trucks have adjustable camber. Find an alignment shop that knows how to adjust the ibeams on threse trucks. I just got done rebuilding the whole front end on my 78 ford, and now i have to have an alignment done. They quoted me $75 a side, but this is because in order to adjust the camber and castor, they actually have to bend the ibeams. You're to adjustment might be a little out too, causing the outsides to wear. Once you get the aligmnet done, you'll be happy you did. The Twin I Beam suspension is one of the best ideas Ford ever came up with. As long as they're aligned correctly, they're almos in-destructable. Good luck, and get that alignment done !
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 353
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From: Mid-Missouri
I agree with Alcan60283 Twin I Beam and TTB are the best next to a solid axle.
May not ride the smooth in comparison to IFS but they take a beating and keep going.
It is very difficult to find a mechanic that can align this system. Take it to a reputable shop that is experienced in working on Ford Trucks.
May not ride the smooth in comparison to IFS but they take a beating and keep going.
It is very difficult to find a mechanic that can align this system. Take it to a reputable shop that is experienced in working on Ford Trucks.
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: California
thanks, i agree i've never had any problems with it becides being out of alignment. Has any body had any luck with the dropped I-beams?
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Kalispell, MT
personal opinion, and take this as you will...i personally don't like the twin I-beam/IFS system that Ford initiated in the late 70's/earl 80's...i'd rather have a solid axle front end over the IFS...i just think it's stronger that way, even if the ride is a bit bumpy sometimes...
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 401
Likes: 9
From: Brighton, IL
Make sure to ask the alignment specialist to PLEASE make it so the tires wear unevenly. You would be surprised how wide "the spec" readings can be. Just because an alignment is in spec, and the truck drives fine doesn't mean the tires won't wear. I have a very good friend that is in that field and I used to help him. I remember Ford trucks being a pain to align but truck alignments usually cost more so he did it right and not just so it was "in spec". My $.02 
Last edited by zieg96; Jun 16, 2004 at 03:55 PM.
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