Twin I beam conversion

[lifewitlooie]

Anyone ever replaced the Twin I beam with a solid front axle? Im going junking next week looking for one... how much you think its going to cost me? and is it difficult? it does look hard at all and after putting the lift on my truck which was a pain in the behind i dont think it would be that much of a challenge.... and after i replaced it do you think anyone would want my old front end? i cant see anyone wanting the 1997 IFS system

[bigcountrysg]

I done this once. It will be easier to do a 4 link suspension setup instead of trying to use the radius arms that come off the frame. If you do decide to do this make sure you get everything. If you don't you might as well do a custom 4 link set up. Believe it or not the Ford Twin I beam suspension is becoming quite popular in the off-road world. Especially amongst the rock crawlers. Why because the twin I beam allows for more wheel travel with less frame flex.

[lifewitlooie]

hmmm... i didnt know that.. it still looks hoopty down there when i look at my front end... i hate working on it.. hate it it makes things mor difficult than they need 2 be

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by lifewitlooie

hmmm... i didnt know that.. it still looks hoopty down there when i look at my front end... i hate working on it.. hate it it makes things mor difficult than they need 2 be

Look at it like this. Each tire has there own pivot point. There for each tire can travle in different directions giving more tire travel and less frame flex. With keeping the most rubber for traction on the ground.

If you go straight axle you have one solid beam with one pivot point. It goes up it goes down. When one tire goes up and the other drops down. You ride on the edge of the tire that is down. There for you loose traction. Serious Rockcrawlers are figuring this out now. There for they are looking for twin i beam set ups. One thing is the older twin i beam set ups used a 44 center diff. Being that they used the center of a dana 44 they can still build the front axle to be strong as a straight axle 44.

[Sam Burton]

i just finished swapping to a dana 60 from the 50 in my 95 F-250 and i have to say it was a snap. i did it all by myself in about 3 hours and i wasn't in any kind of rush. it takes longer to pull all the old independant crap out than get the solid axle in.
as for the arguement about which is better, i am WAY happier with the dana 60, it does ride a little more solid, but handles much more predictably and no more bump steer, plus i don't have my tires sitting all goofy half the time ( / \
you know what i mean.) plus it is a truck and i don't mind it riding like one.
i say go for it , if you use your truck like i do you won't regret it.

[lifewitlooie]

I like your logic big country thanks.. sounds like you prefer an IFS to a solid front now im not sure what to think. I still dont like my IFS though

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by lifewitlooie

I like your logic big country thanks.. sounds like you prefer an IFS to a solid front now im not sure what to think. I still dont like my IFS though

I hate IFS front suspension. To much crap to break up there. I like the theory keep it simple stupid.

[chet-haight]

Gotta tell you the straight axle conversion will be the best thing you ever do to your pickup. I have had to replace two Twin I beam axles in my 97 F250. I was sick of the Twin I Beam. I found a great straight axle out of a 95 F350 for $500. I removed the Twin I Beam and installed the straight axle in about 4-5 hours. THe ride is a little stiffer, but the pickup instantly handled better. It doesn't flex as well but I rarely put it in such a situation. I say this is the best thing that can be done to an F250.

[Slimline]

If I had access to a 60 I would swap in a heart beat. I've put some money into my front end to keep it in good shape purely because it is not feasible at this time for me to swap. The solid front axle is stronger with less moving parts to break. The 50 version in my f250 rides much better than the lifted version in my f150 (8"). I get great flex with my 150 but it is scary to drive down the road with my atv in the back. It wanders and darts all over. Not only that but you have to be vigilant with tire pressures and front end parts making sure everything is right or your going to cup and oddly wear your tires. My tires werent cheap on either truck.

I say of you have the money time and ability do the swap. The ifs has its pluses but it also has more negatives.

Edited to fix iPhone auto correct and my fat finger mistakes.