Twin I beam
New User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 21
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Twin I beam
I took my '78 F-100 to Goodyear this morning to find out if I needing a wheel alignment. My left front tire is wearing on the outside quite rapidly. They checked it out only to find that my left front and left rear did not line up properly and they could not do the alignment until I took it to a frame straightener and straighten out the twin I beam. this truck was never in an accident but they said that didn't matter because these twin I beams were bad about that. Is this something that anyone has had an experience with and what was your solution? I have no idea what this will cost at this time. The truck steers well if that means anything. No pulling to the left or right. Whats goes please?.......Bob
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 271
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From: La Canada, CA
Twin I beam
When twin I beam front ends need aligning it usually is a result of the I beams bending and/or the king pin bushings wearing and the strut bushings wearing.
Most Goodyear type tire shops are not equipped to straighten I beams. I always take mine to a local front end alignment shop that works on trucks for the actual alignment. Before the alignment, I will replace the strut bushings and the king pin bushings. I usually go 60- 75,000 miles between alignments.
If just one side is wearing badly, then it sounds like the I beam on that side. Any reputable alignment shop can check it and tell you exactly what you need.
Most Goodyear type tire shops are not equipped to straighten I beams. I always take mine to a local front end alignment shop that works on trucks for the actual alignment. Before the alignment, I will replace the strut bushings and the king pin bushings. I usually go 60- 75,000 miles between alignments.
If just one side is wearing badly, then it sounds like the I beam on that side. Any reputable alignment shop can check it and tell you exactly what you need.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Twin I beam
Bob I agree with Dave, I use a local tire co. that has about 8 stores. I needed a bend on a beam and the tech had everything to put it back within specks. Those chain tire stores are just parts changers. I would call and ask if they could bend the Ford I-beam if he had to, and let his answer help make your decesion. 
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John
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John
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 576
From: Greater Austin, Texas
Twin I beam
Just make damn sure they do not use heat. This should go without saying, but you might be suprised. Occasionally I see a Ford truck up on a flatbed with a broken I-beam and I know somebody used heat on it trying to bend it for alignment.
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