93 Twin I Beam

[Selfbuilt99]

So, I finally got my hands on a ranger with twin i beams. Planning on making a prerunner. It's a 93 2wd Ford Ranger extended cab with the 4.0 v6... anyways, been doing my research but can't find much info. Yes I know I can buy camburg beams or threat... but I'm. Not looking to throw thousands into my beams alone. So I was wondering if maybe someone knew of some beams I could buy for like $500-$1000. Would I be better off extending them myself? I don't have much experience with the suspension but I don't doubt myself to figure it out.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

The beams are heat treated. Its a very bad idea to try and alter them yourself.

You might could install extended radius arms, they are the biggest limiting factor in flex limits on stock I beams.

But thats about all i got for ya besides buying new beams.

 

[Selfbuilt99]

The beams are heat treated. Its a very bad idea to try and alter them yourself.

You might could install extended radius arms, they are the biggest limiting factor in flex limits on stock I beams.

But thats about all i got for ya besides buying new beams.

But how much travel could I get out of the stock beams? I'd like to get somewhere between 18-20". Could I get that by just replacing the radius arms? Do you know of any decently priced beams I could get? How hard would it be to just build them myself? I have no doubt I can do it. Just not sure on how or where to begin and there's not much info or videos on it.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

But how much travel could I get out of the stock beams? I'd like to get somewhere between 18-20". Could I get that by just replacing the radius arms? Do you know of any decently priced beams I could get? How hard would it be to just build them myself? I have no doubt I can do it. Just not sure on how or where to begin and there's not much info or videos on it.

Thats above my skill set bud.

@Will
@bobbywalter

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've never played with the TIB front axles, all my knowledge is with TTB. However I would look at swapping in axles from a full size truck and as rusty mentions, extending the radius arms. I have no idea if this is an easy swap or very involved. You need to get a tape measure and start measuring. Ford used to have a site with frame dimensions, you might want to start there.

Publications | Body Builder Advisory Service

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I've never played with the TIB front axles, all my knowledge is with TTB. However I would look at swapping in axles from a full size truck and as rusty mentions, extending the radius arms. I have no idea if this is an easy swap or very involved. You need to get a tape measure and start measuring. Ford used to have a site with frame dimensions, you might want to start there.

Publications | Body Builder Advisory Service

Im not 100% sure fullsizers are a good idea. Why? Because the radius arm would mount out to wide, and yes, it could be moved inwards but that would leave alot of arm unsupported, and open to be bent backwards.

If you went the fullsize route, im guessing pre 1980 beams would be your best shot, considering they can be heated/welded and are actually stronger due to having kingpins.

But i just dont know if any home brew type modification to the beams themaelves is smart, or worth the effort.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

There was an ad for aluminum axles on site. I can't remember if it was for a lift or drop. They would be worth looking at.

 

[Selfbuilt99]

Im not 100% sure fullsizers are a good idea. Why? Because the radius arm would mount out to wide, and yes, it could be moved inwards but that would leave alot of arm unsupported, and open to be bent backwards.

If you went the fullsize route, im guessing pre 1980 beams would be your best shot, considering they can be heated/welded and are actually stronger due to having kingpins.

But i just dont know if any home brew type modification to the beams themaelves is smart, or worth the effort.

That's a good idea, would older ranger beams fit my ranger? Maybe I can swing by the junkyard and find a pair.

 

[Selfbuilt99]

There was an ad for aluminum axles on site. I can't remember if it was for a lift or drop. They would be worth looking at.

Not really looking to lift or drop... little lift would be nice, but looking for the travel. Thanks though!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

That's a good idea, would older ranger beams fit my ranger? Maybe I can swing by the junkyard and find a pair.

More then likely....

But older ranger beams are the same as newer ranger beams i do believe.

Im talking pre 1980 F series beams.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I think my 86 2wd Ranger has beams that can be welded or heated and bent. I'm pretty sure that changed to "do not weld" the following year or two. It's been a long time since I looked, it's in a field collecting mice...

 

[Selfbuilt99]

Sweet! Thanks for the help guys! Looks like I've gotta find some older beams. Junkyard time lol. I'll do some more research and see which beams will work. Are there any links you could refer me to on how to extend them? Greatly appreciate the help!

 

[ZMan]

used to be able to get fabtech stuff for the ibeam trucks. Might have to resort to finding them used now though.