|
Author
|
Topic: Twin I Beam
|
RZ65vert
Gearhead Posts: 138
From: Down Under
Registered: Nov 2004
|
posted 05-10-2006 01:58 AM
 
I'm looking at a 1965 F100 as a project car and it is listed as having Twin I Beam.
As I've had nothing to do with Ford trucks before I'm wondering if someone can give me a quick run down of what it means.
Thanks,
------------------
Ken
65 Convertible
351W C4
[This message has been edited by RZ65vert (edited 05-10-2006).]
|
ccode67
Gearhead Posts: 3285
From: douglasville,ga,usa
Registered: Mar 2001
|
posted 05-10-2006 07:36 AM
It is basicaly a straight axle that is split. The two halves attach about 3/4 across the front end making the front independant suspension. Picture two swing axles. Does this make sense??Twin I-beam is a great/durable suspension system. Correctly aligned they will stay aligned forever. Ford used this setup from 1965 till 1996.
|
RZ65vert
Gearhead Posts: 138
From: Down Under
Registered: Nov 2004
|
posted 05-10-2006 06:48 PM
Thanks Stuart.
I can picture it yes but certainly different to what I had as my perception!
I will now know what to look for when I check it out this weekend.
------------------
Ken
65 Convertible
351W C4
[This message has been edited by RZ65vert (edited 05-10-2006).]
|
68F100
Gearhead Posts: 2835
From: Burlington, Iowa
Registered: Oct 99
|
posted 05-10-2006 07:45 PM
Stuart gave a pretty good description. It will be obvious when you look under the front end and see it. I think they are a great front end setup too.Let us know if you get the new project. 
|
BlueMule
Gearhead Posts: 1781
From: Kent Island, MD USA M&M # 2423
Registered: Sep 2002
|
posted 05-12-2006 07:29 AM
http://www.procarcare.com/includes/content/resourcecenter/encyclopedia/ch23/23Fig7.html Take a close look at the inside tread on the tires. 
------------------
-Paul 70 Mach1 351C/FMX
79 Ranchero GT smogger 302/C4
97 Expedition XLT 5.4
05 F150 Lariat SuperCab 5.4 4x4 'If you're not the lead dog, the view never changes.'
'It's only half past 12, but I don't care... It's 5 o'clock somewhere.' [This message has been edited by BlueMule (edited 05-12-2006).]
|
Ryan Wilke
Gearhead Posts: 3237
From: Stanton, Michigan, zip 48888
Registered: Oct 2000
|
posted 05-12-2006 12:44 PM
Ken,
While your under there, also look to see if the kingpins appear to have been greased lately. That may give you an idea as to the level of PM it's been getting. Changing out kingpins can be a real bear!I think I'd consider taking along a floor jack and jacking up each front wheel so you can whiggle each front tire in & out at the top & bottom (NOT from side to side, side to side will determine tierod ends condition, not the kingpin condition) & determine the amount of "slop" at the top and bottom of the spindle/kingpin. If the spindle/kingpin bushings are worn out to the point of the kingpin wearing the spindle oblong, that repair will certainly "leave a mark" in your wallet! Whatever you determine, calculate the results into your final offering price. Good Luck!
Ryan
|
Rory McNeil
Gearhead Posts: 1889
From: Surrey, B.C. Canada
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 05-14-2006 11:45 AM
I believe that 1965 was the first year for the Twin I Beam on Ford pickups, prior to that, cast iron I beam "straight" axles were used. Checking the king pins for wear is a very good idea, it is not a fun (or cheap) job to have them replaced. With regular grease jobs, the king pins pretty much last forever. ------------------
78 Fairmont 428 4 speed [email protected] 1.32 60 foot
80 Fairmont 302 5 speed 12.8@105mph
85 Mustang NHRA M/Stock 302 5speed. [email protected] 1.63 60 foot
59 Meteor (Canadian Ford) 2 dr sedan 332, auto
74 F350 ramp truck 390 4spd
|
Ryan Wilke
Gearhead Posts: 3237
From: Stanton, Michigan, zip 48888
Registered: Oct 2000
|
posted 05-14-2006 12:36 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Rory McNeil:
I believe that 1965 was the first year for the Twin I Beam on Ford pickups....--- You are correct, Rory.
...prior to that, cast iron I beam "straight" axles were used.
--- Which gave you a ride VERY similar to 1958 John Deere tractor! 
|
SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
|
posted 05-14-2006 07:10 PM
You mean Fordson tractor!  ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '70 Mustang Convertible - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 XL
|
RZ65vert
Gearhead Posts: 138
From: Down Under
Registered: Nov 2004
|
posted 05-14-2006 08:56 PM
Thanks for the advice guys.
The photo really helped, Paul, thanks.
What an uncanny analogy - the bumps and thumps it made were just like my father-in-law's Fordson Super Dexter!!!
Too much movement and slop for my limited mechanical aptitude so I'm still looking for a project.
Thanks for the help.------------------
Ken
65 Convertible
351W C4
|
302coupe
Journeyman Posts: 22
From: Macon, Ga.
Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 05-17-2006 03:39 PM
Old ford trucks are great and have a strong following. Don't be afraid to get one that needs a little work, they are easy to work on, parts are easy to find and cheap, plus pretty much the whoel drivetrain interchanges up thru 1979. I just got done restoring my 65, it has a 351W/C4, 9" rear with 3.25's, power steering, power disc breaks, and some other goodies. Lots of fun.P.S. I knocked out the old kingpins, installed a set of disc brake spindles, and put in the new kingpins in about 30 minutes. Some trucks are more stubborn than others, but its nothing to be afraid of.  [This message has been edited by 302coupe (edited 05-17-2006).]
|
SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
|
posted 05-17-2006 07:02 PM
Wow! Nice Truck! Nice job!------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '70 Mustang Convertible - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 XL
|
68F100
Gearhead Posts: 2835
From: Burlington, Iowa
Registered: Oct 99
|
posted 05-17-2006 09:36 PM
Yes, very nice truck. I need to get mine over to my new garage and get to work on it.
|
RZ65vert
Gearhead Posts: 138
From: Down Under
Registered: Nov 2004
|
posted 05-18-2006 12:28 AM
Great Truck!!!!!!
I think you just changed my mind.
Now where was that phone number........... ------------------
Ken
65 Convertible
351W C4
|
Ryan Wilke
Gearhead Posts: 3237
From: Stanton, Michigan, zip 48888
Registered: Oct 2000
|
posted 05-18-2006 11:22 AM
SWEET!!!  I've always liked those older ford trucks done in their OEM white! Ryan
|
DidgeyTrucker
Gearhead Posts: 1813
From: Greenbrier, TN USA
Registered: Oct 99
|
posted 05-24-2006 08:08 PM
The front suspension components from 1965 to 1979 will interchange. This means you can swap to front disc brakes and power steering with factory parts. The only fiddling will be with the steering column if you swap to power steering. You will need the (shorter) steering column from a 1967-1976 truck, The '77-'79 columns don't have a tapered shifer collar and use a plastic filler to fill the gap to the dash which won't fit the '65 dash.And by all means swap the single master cylinder to a dual master cylinder. Tracy ------------------
Tracy M&M #245
MAC OS9.1 & 10.3.9/ Earthlink DSL
1956 F-100 Panel w/429 (3.50 9")
1966 F-100 SWB w/351C (3.25 9" - 3.70 posi for Saturday nights)
Music City F-100's,
1965 GT-350 S/C (2.78 1st & 3.70 TracLok 9")
Music City Mustang Club
1969 Schwinn StingRay
Don't focus on the destination....make the JOURNEY the adventure
Visit my Web sites:
DidgeyTrucker's Website
The Hot Rod Johnny Travelling Rock And Roll Show
|
