straight axle swap
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New User
Joined: Sep 2007
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straight axle swap
I have a 1970 crew cab that i use to pull a trailer and I was wondering about the twin I beam front ends. I heard they can be a pain to align and i was wondering if there are some good fixes if camber and caster are out of wack. I have heard they can be professionally bent to fix this but was wondering if there are some other options. Maybe changing some mounts around or a straight front axle swap? i am not real sure what i should do. i would really like to hear any suggestions. thanks.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
Nothing wrong with "twin I beam", why go backwards into a straight axle?
I passed over a million miles after 922K on my first truck with twin I beam, a 69. If everythings tight including kingpins plus camber corrected (a must) you'll have a normal tire wear.
I passed over a million miles after 922K on my first truck with twin I beam, a 69. If everythings tight including kingpins plus camber corrected (a must) you'll have a normal tire wear.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 2
From: wi
if the front starts to sag for around $100 you can throw in a set of new springs,other then that if your bushings,kingpins,tierods are ok you'll be fine. a sold axle is 64 and older lifestyle why would ya wana go back to those days and ways when the twin beams have a much better ride and drivability
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,222
Likes: 1
From: East Central Florida
I concur 100% with Beemer & Wizzard. FoMoCo Twin I Beam is a great truck suspension and has little or no faults that I am aware of.
I ran a 77 F-250 700K + miles & 3 engines, 3 Dana rears, and never did a thing but service the front end & change shocks, an occassional pair or 2 of radius arm bshgs & a set or two of springs during that whole time.
I finally had to replace that truck when body rot took the roof panel loose. . . . .
FBp
I ran a 77 F-250 700K + miles & 3 engines, 3 Dana rears, and never did a thing but service the front end & change shocks, an occassional pair or 2 of radius arm bshgs & a set or two of springs during that whole time.
I finally had to replace that truck when body rot took the roof panel loose. . . . .
FBp
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 249
From: Piney Woods of East Texas
highboy, The twin I beams can be hard to align, but once done they are done right they are pretty much bullet proof.
Like Beemer and Wizzard said there is no fault in the I beams. I think my 68 was align when new, had it checked several times and it never moves. Had it checked when I did the disk brake conversion, was still on, after 32 yrs then. So as long as you keep the bushing in good shape, I think you would have to bend a frame before you knock them out. Can't say that about a bowtie.
Like Beemer and Wizzard said there is no fault in the I beams. I think my 68 was align when new, had it checked several times and it never moves. Had it checked when I did the disk brake conversion, was still on, after 32 yrs then. So as long as you keep the bushing in good shape, I think you would have to bend a frame before you knock them out. Can't say that about a bowtie.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
Positive camber was way too high on these trucks while running empty which many do a high percentage of the time, add agressive driving on the twisties you'll eat tires long before the main treads worn.
Bend them (beams) to how you'll use the truck.
Bend them (beams) to how you'll use the truck.
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Welcome to the site highboyexpress...!
As stated, the twin I-beam is a good design. I just replaced the I-beams in my '68 because the kingpins were a bit sloppy and I was given a set of one-ton beams with everything tight. I just added new polyurethane pivot and strut rod bushings and then took it to the alignment shop, he adjusted the toe and told me that the rest of the specs were perfect, in fact, better than factory. It drives so much better now that it's like a different truck...
As stated, the twin I-beam is a good design. I just replaced the I-beams in my '68 because the kingpins were a bit sloppy and I was given a set of one-ton beams with everything tight. I just added new polyurethane pivot and strut rod bushings and then took it to the alignment shop, he adjusted the toe and told me that the rest of the specs were perfect, in fact, better than factory. It drives so much better now that it's like a different truck...
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