I beams

[cbsremix]

Well I have this 92 ranger with the small 2.3l and well I need many upgrades, for one I would like to get some extended beams with radius arms. One question is how does the whole cut and extended forged beams work? I believe 84-88 are the beams I need? and is there anyone that makes a set headers for the 2.3?

 

[86ford]

i am going to assume you are talking about cutting and turning the beams for lift purposes and getting longer radius arms to get better travel from your suspension. there are articles in the tech section about most of the things you are asking questions about but cutting and turning beams is ONLY for the most skilled welders and fabricators or those who are willing to take the risk to save a few bucks.

86

 

[cbsremix]

well from what I heard is you can take two set of I beams cutting,welding them and plated them. Of course I wouldn't be doing this myself.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

why do you want to lengthen the beams? just get wider tires....

 

[ckblum]

Lengthening the beams gives you more travel. Unlike just slapping on wider tires which would also degrade mileage, this truck is being made into a prerunner project I'm assuming? Check out the prerunner section, theres already a few posts on I-Beams there.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Wait... are we talking I-beams as in a 2wd or are we talking Twin Traction beams as in a 4x4?

2wd beams are not ment to be modified at all (if you have a serious fabrication shop at hand and know what you're doing you could probably safely modifiy them but that's about it).

TTBs can be cut an turned, but IMHO, it's easier to just put a lift kit on if you want more height. Unless you really know what you're doing, cut an turn could be a disaster waiting to happen. I don't trust myself with a welder enough yet to try it.

The beams do not need to be extended, the radius arms, however, should be if you want more travel. The radius arms are the ones that go back from the beams and there are many ways to fabricate extended arms.

 

[ckblum]

2wd beams can be modified as long as they are 84-88 forged beams. In fact I think they started being modified and extended and C&T'd before 4x4 beams did. But I agree it's not something for people with basic skills, better off buying some beams that are already modified by a real fab shop.

 

[cbsremix]

thank guys for all your input.