Drop i-beams question

[shoyam33]

I have a 93 Ranger and I bought a set of used drop beams. They look like the chassis tech ones but not sure. My question is i don't know what years they are for. On the chassis tech website they show two different pairs 83-88 and 89-97. What is the difference and how can I tell which ones I have? Thanks

 

[BlackBII]

83-88 for Dana 28
89-97 for Dana 35

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4wd_Front_Axles.html

Thats my guess

 

[Insanejughead]

Beams for the 83-88 have the ball joints installed in them.

Beams for the 89-97 do not have balljoints installed in them. From 89 up Ford put the ball joints in the spindles.


I installed some 83-88 beams in my 94 since I had some spindles from my 85 sitting around. This way I was able to completely assemble the beam and spindle together and then save time to put them in when I did the drop.

 

[Monzilla]

I agree with Jughead. I installed early drop beams and spindles in my 89. I saved like 40lbs per side. Got way more adjustment with the slug in the spindle vs. with the slug in the beam. And it was approx 2" skinnier track width in the front.

 

[volrath]

I agree with Jughead. I installed early drop beams and spindles in my 89. I saved like 40lbs per side. Got way more adjustment with the slug in the spindle vs. with the slug in the beam. And it was approx 2" skinnier track width in the front.

2" skinnier? i never new that. what about your tires then? any problem with clearance like turning radius?

 

[Insanejughead]

Nope, they're not 2" skinnier. I think he is rather talking about the rear axle. The Gen I and II's are skinnier by about 3" in the back from the Gen III's and up.

Just to be sure... I'll measure the next stock Gen III I see. That will hopefully be tomorrow.

 

[Monzilla]

My rear axle has always been a smaller track width that the front. After I installed the 88 drop beams, the front was very close to the rear. Within 1inch. They are the welded beam style. 1988 spindles with 89 rotors and calipers. Unless these have been modified. (They did a real good job)