I-beams from salvage

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Oct 2, 2002 | 08:17 PM

xuare

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 230

Likes: 0

From: SW Maryland

I-beams from salvage

I'm seem to be posting a lot these days, my apologies...

I'm trying to properly fix my 83 F250 2x4 front suspension (lotsa work needed). I noticed that the prev owner had bent the I-beams to adjust camber/caster. Obviously if I fix everything, i'll probably have to bend them back, and i'm worried about metal fatigue if I do. I've been trying to pick up some salvage I-beams, but it looks like most of them have been bent as well. Many of the ppl I talk to say that they'll all be bent because you are supposed to bend em.

Are they really "supposed" to be bent? I doubted it, but I just want to make sure. Also,

Is there any decent chance of finding salvaged, unbent I-beams?

I think the extended-cab (king cab?--2 benches, 2 doors) may have had a beefier front suspension....is there a difference?

Will 4x4 I-beams fit on a 2x4 without the 4x4 front axle? (intend to reuse the wheel parts from the 2x4)

Thanks

Oct 2, 2002 | 09:10 PM

paveslave

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 154

Likes: 0

From: Crustucky (Crestview) Florida

I-beams from salvage

I don't know if that's true or not, but I have heard the same thing. In fact, now this is on my 4x4, I was turned away at an alignment shop near my home because they didn't have the tools to bend my I-beams. I figured they were just blowing me off so I went elsewhere and they aligned me just fine with some aftermarket +3 degree bushings. Yes, this is after my 6" suspension lift, but you get my point. Oh wait, I had no point. Anyway, I've heard that they used to correct the alignments that way, but who knows.

-Ry

-If it aint broke, fix it till it is...

1985 F-150 302 4X4
Dana 44 TTB / 9 inch
4.56:1 Front/True-Trac
4.56:1 Rear/Detroit Locker
C-6 Tranny, NP208 Transfer
6 inch Skyjacker Class II lift
35 X 12.50 BFGoods AT's

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=6674&.jpg https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=8776&.jpg https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=6675&.jpg https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=6703&.jpg

Oct 3, 2002 | 01:50 PM

xuare

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 230

Likes: 0

From: SW Maryland

I-beams from salvage

I found a place that had some from an 86. Didn't appear bent, but they still had the radius arms, spindles, and springs attached so it was tough to tell.

The fun part was fitting them in my car for the ride home (the arm, beam, and spring make a nice 3D shape. Tough to fit anywhere...

The ford dealer said the i-beams were the same for all cabs, but they've given me the wrong part before. I guess we'll find out soon enough. They appear to be similar, and the price was good ($150 for both sides...came from same vehicle)

Oct 3, 2002 | 06:08 PM

STUDENT

Junior User

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 62

Likes: 0

From: KILGORE USA

I-beams from salvage

Yes, that is how they align the front end on the older I-beams. From what I hear fewer and fewer alignment shops still have the equipment to bend them.